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Rare Sterling Silver Champagne Flutes Designed for Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee

About the Item

A truly rare & unique set of four stunningly handsome Post Modern sterling silver champagne flutes, specifically designed & made on commission by highly acclaimed British designer & silversmith Robert May. One pair was privately commissioned to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of HRH Queen Elizabeth II's 25 year reign as British Monarch, both bearing London hallmarks, date letter for 1977, together with the Silver Jubilee mark & makers marks for Robert May. The 2nd pair were privately commissioned a year later in 1978, with both bearing London hallmarks with date letter for 1978 & makers marks for Robert May. This later pair were commissioned possibly as a precaution should one or both of the earlier flutes become either lost or damaged. All four flutes showcase true Post Modern design elements, with each featuring a tapering stem comprised of 24 segmented & oxidized turnings, rising up from a turned foot to meet a trumpet-shaped bowl exhibiting a richly gilded interior. Of interest to note, that the 24 turnings of each stem, together with the single turned foot equates to 25, which was intentionally designed by Robert May to symbolize the 25 year reign of Queen Elizabeth II as British Monarch. In addition to their unique aesthetic value, it may be of further interest to note that their combined weight is an impressive 1024 grams or 32.92 troy ounces. As well, accompanying the purchase of these four rare commissioned champagne flutes, is a copy of their original working drawings with hand written notations by Robert May, along with a redacted copy of the original invoice on his studio letterhead known as 'The Southern Design Workshop', dated Dec. 1977 & signed by Robert May. ROBERT MAY BIO: Robert May trained in silversmithing and jewellery design at the Canterbury College of Art from 1953 until 1958. Soon after completing his courses, he began work in 1962 at the Medway College of Design, where he remained for nearly 30 years developing silversmithing & jewellery courses. As a direct result of those efforts, including being the Colleges principal lecturer as well as maintaining his own design studio on site, Medway College of Design became internationally recognized as a major centre for courses in the field of silver & jewellery design. He was sought out for several noteworthy commissions, including two Royal Commissions, one being that of a mace for Her Majesties Royal Palace & Fortress ‘The Tower of London’, and a Baptismal Spoon for the ‘Chapel Royal’ - part of the Royal Household serving the spiritual needs of members of The British Royal Family. In 1988 Robert May received the Garrard Gold Medal, which is an annual award given by The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council in recognition of a person’s contributions towards promoting & demonstrating the highest standards within the field of Silversmithing and Jewellery Design. Ref: Royal Goldsmiths: Garrard Design and Patronage in the Twentieth Century, Nell-Rhys Williams, page 62.

Creator:

Robert May (Designer)

Dimensions:

Height: 6.25 in (15.88 cm)Diameter: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)

Sold As:

Set of 4

Style:

Post-Modern (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Sterling Silver,Anodized,Gilt

Place of Origin:

England

Period:

1970-1979

Date of Manufacture:

1977

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. All in extremely fine overall condition. And in addition to their unique aesthetic value, it may be of further interest to note that their combined weight is an impressive 1024 grams or 32.92 troy ounces.

Seller Location:

Ottawa, CA

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU2728327465602

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