Cup and cover
George III cup and cover
Maker
(silversmith)
1729-1807
(silversmith)
d. 1811 (Life dates)
(designer)
1723-1796
1729-1807
(silversmith)
d. 1811 (Life dates)
(designer)
1723-1796
Title
Cup and cover
George III cup and cover
George III cup and cover
Date of Production
1770-71
Medium
medium : material : silver
Dimensions
Height: 29.5 cm
Width: 21 cm
Width: 21 cm
Accession Number
LO.1990.CS.1009
Mode of Acquisition
Akzo Nobel, long-term loan, 1990
Location
On display
Related Works
Label Text
This unusual interpretation of the traditional English cup was inspired by an Ancient Greek ceramic drinking vase. The design is attributed to Sir William Chambers, the architect of Somerset House. Chambers regularly designed silver and furniture for his clients, where he excelled in creating striking surface contrasts. Here, areas of finely detailed ornament – such as the leafy handles ending in horns of abundance – are a foil to the plain silver. The central tablet features a scene – as yet unidentified – from Roman mythology
A Woman Silversmith
Louisa Perina Courtauld (1729–1807) ran the silver business upon her husband Samuel’s death in 1765. After a couple of years on her own, she went into partnership with George Cowles, her late husband’s former apprentice. In 1780, Louisa Courtauld sold the business and the family turned to silk weaving, eventually founding the textile company Courtaulds Ltd. Its chairman in the 1920s was Samuel Courtauld, whose collection of Impressionist paintings is displayed in the Great Room on the floor above.
A Woman Silversmith
Louisa Perina Courtauld (1729–1807) ran the silver business upon her husband Samuel’s death in 1765. After a couple of years on her own, she went into partnership with George Cowles, her late husband’s former apprentice. In 1780, Louisa Courtauld sold the business and the family turned to silk weaving, eventually founding the textile company Courtaulds Ltd. Its chairman in the 1920s was Samuel Courtauld, whose collection of Impressionist paintings is displayed in the Great Room on the floor above.
Provenance
Information not yet known or updated
Exhibition History
The Classical Ideal - English Silver 1760-1840, Chancery House & London & England, 03/06/2010-25/06/2010
A Century of Silver - The Courtauld Family of Silversmiths, The Courtauld Gallery, London, 2003 / 2013
William Chambers - Architect to George III, National Museum & Stockholm & Sweden, 20/02/1997-20/04/1997 ...More
Sir William Chambers - Architect to George III, Somerset House & London & England, 10/10/1996-05/01/1997 ...Less
A Century of Silver - The Courtauld Family of Silversmiths, The Courtauld Gallery, London, 2003 / 2013
William Chambers - Architect to George III, National Museum & Stockholm & Sweden, 20/02/1997-20/04/1997 ...More
Sir William Chambers - Architect to George III, Somerset House & London & England, 10/10/1996-05/01/1997 ...Less
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