Perrin, Geddes & Co : Warrington
Set of claret glasses c.1807
Lead glass | 11.0 x 6.5 x 6.5 cm (diameter) | RCIN 68275
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Set of forty-one lead glass claret glasses; each with a slightly flaring cylindrical bowl; base of the bowl with a wide undulating cushion pad; on a tall faceted stem with a cut knop, foot cut in shape of a Garter Star, the underside being cut; engraved on front with the Prince of Wales's feathers. These claret glasses form part of a cut-glass service made for George, Prince of Wales, which today comprises 41 claret glasses, 21 wine glasses, 13 port glasses, 14 verrières, 25 small decanters, 17 medium decanters and 5 large decanters. In 1806, on a visit to Liverpool, the Prince of Wales attended a lavish dinner hosted by the city. For this special occasion the Liverpool Corporation commissioned the Warrington firm of Perrin Geddes & Co. to make a cut glass service engraved with the city’s crest. The Prince was so impressed by the service, that he asked the Mayor to order him something similar. The Liverpool Corporation ordered a second service to be made, replacing the city’s crest with the Prince of Wales’s feathers. The original order consisted of 198 pieces, but this was deemed not large enough for the Prince and an order for a further 144 pieces was placed with the firm, bringing the total number of pieces up to 342, at a staggering cost of £1,306.18s, much more than the Corporation had predicted. It was delivered to Carlton House in 1808. Today, 136 pieces of the service survive in the Royal Collection.
Provenance
Given to George, Prince of Wales, by the Liverpool Corporation, 1808.
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Creator(s)
(glass manufacturer)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Lead glass
Measurements
11.0 x 6.5 x 6.5 cm (diameter)
Place of Production
Warrington [Cheshire]