An Elizabeth II Parcel-Gilt Silver Cup and Cover by Asprey and Co. Ltd., London, 1965, Designed by James Porteous Wood, Craftsmen Keith Tasker
tapering triangular and on openwork base, engraved on two sides with inscriptions, the detachable cover openwork and with a gilt triform leaf-form finial, on conforming triangular rosewood base 34cm high including base, weight of silver 34oz 12dwt, 1,076gr The inscriptions read 'The Carreras Piccadilly Northern Cup Ripon August 1965 Won by Major L. B. Holliday's "Finish Fast" (Fidalgo Javotte) 21-8-65' and 'Bilsdale Hunt Perpetual Challenge Cup'. James Porteous Wood was born in Edinburgh and went to the George Heriot School, though he left when he was only 14 as his interest lay in studying art, which he subsequently did at the Edinburgh College of Art. His early artistic expression was through watercolour painting, which he did around Ripon while based there as a non-commissioned office during the war. His talents were recognised in 1945 when he was elected to the Royal Scottish Watercolour Society. It was perhaps as the Director of Art and Design for Asprey that he was to make his greatest impact with commissions such as an 18ct gold bowl which was presented to President Eisenhower and a model of the Dome of the Rock which was commissioned by King Hassan of Morocco. With a diameter of some 175cm the creation has been described as the most important piece of silver ever exported from the UK. His works rarely appear on the market but what does appear shows a similar flare for design and the use of luxury materials. Two items by him, both marked for Asprey, were included in the exhibition Embellish: The Art of Hand Engraving, held at Tennants in the summer of 2023. They were both kindly loaned from the Pearson Silver Collection and included an 18ct white gold and quartz-set box made to commemorate the Chester Assay Office and a salver engraved as the Totalisator Spring Handicap trophy. Interestingly on each of those examples credit is given to those involved in the creation of the item, the salver for example also being made by craftsman Keith Tasker and the box engraved by Theodore C. F. Wise, a nod perhaps to his interest in encouraging young talent, which he also did by sponsoring an annual art prize at Mallaig High School. With non-transferable CITES A10 licence no. 24GBA105BNYPB.
Fully marked on one side near rim and further part marked on cover bezel. The marks are generally clear. The base further stamped 'Asprey London; and engraved 'Designer Porteous Wood' and 'Craftsman K Tusker'. There is some overall surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use as well as some minor bruises. The base with three later screw holes to allow the cup to be fixed to the wood base. The wood base with fading and some holes where plaques were originally attached. There is some glue residue to the base as well. We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated. Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession. We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.
Bid on this lot
tapering triangular and on openwork base, engraved on two sides with inscriptions, the detachable cover openwork and with a gilt triform leaf-form finial, on conforming triangular rosewood base 34cm high including base, weight of silver 34oz 12dwt, 1,076gr The inscriptions read 'The Carreras Piccadilly Northern Cup Ripon August 1965 Won by Major L. B. Holliday's "Finish Fast" (Fidalgo Javotte) 21-8-65' and 'Bilsdale Hunt Perpetual Challenge Cup'. James Porteous Wood was born in Edinburgh and went to the George Heriot School, though he left when he was only 14 as his interest lay in studying art, which he subsequently did at the Edinburgh College of Art. His early artistic expression was through watercolour painting, which he did around Ripon while based there as a non-commissioned office during the war. His talents were recognised in 1945 when he was elected to the Royal Scottish Watercolour Society. It was perhaps as the Director of Art and Design for Asprey that he was to make his greatest impact with commissions such as an 18ct gold bowl which was presented to President Eisenhower and a model of the Dome of the Rock which was commissioned by King Hassan of Morocco. With a diameter of some 175cm the creation has been described as the most important piece of silver ever exported from the UK. His works rarely appear on the market but what does appear shows a similar flare for design and the use of luxury materials. Two items by him, both marked for Asprey, were included in the exhibition Embellish: The Art of Hand Engraving, held at Tennants in the summer of 2023. They were both kindly loaned from the Pearson Silver Collection and included an 18ct white gold and quartz-set box made to commemorate the Chester Assay Office and a salver engraved as the Totalisator Spring Handicap trophy. Interestingly on each of those examples credit is given to those involved in the creation of the item, the salver for example also being made by craftsman Keith Tasker and the box engraved by Theodore C. F. Wise, a nod perhaps to his interest in encouraging young talent, which he also did by sponsoring an annual art prize at Mallaig High School. With non-transferable CITES A10 licence no. 24GBA105BNYPB.
Fully marked on one side near rim and further part marked on cover bezel. The marks are generally clear. The base further stamped 'Asprey London; and engraved 'Designer Porteous Wood' and 'Craftsman K Tusker'. There is some overall surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use as well as some minor bruises. The base with three later screw holes to allow the cup to be fixed to the wood base. The wood base with fading and some holes where plaques were originally attached. There is some glue residue to the base as well. We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated. Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession. We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.
