Yates Gold Cup

About the Item

Remarkable in scale and artistry, this George III-style cup and cover was created by the famed London silversmith Hannah Northcote. Set on a circular foot and taking the form of a vase, the cup features two leaf-capped handles and a detachable domed cover crowned with a bud finial. Astounding in craftsmanship given the scarcity of gold at the time of its creation, the sentimental message engraved within the frontal cartouche indicates the prestigious provenance that further distinguishes this cup. Originally commissioned by Robert Peel, the father of 19th century British Prime Minister Robert Peel, the gold cup was intended to serve as a symbol of gratitude for Peel’s business partner and father-in-law, William Yates. Yates and Peel successfully married genius technological innovation and entrepreneurship, creating the world’s most successful fabric production factory at a time when most English fabrics were still crafted in the home. Both men were highly successful businessmen, prolific philanthropists and early champions of workers’ rights. By 1800, Peel was one of only ten millionaires in Britain. When Hannah Northcote, one of the few female London silversmiths of her time, received Peel’s important commission, she created this remarkable gold cup, which serves as the epitome her skill and craftsmanship. The beautiful vase shape is only improved by the detachable cover with engraved foliage and inscription commemorating the businessman’s retirement. Undoubtedly, the cup was received with immense gratitude and honor, a sentiment that is illustrated through William Yates’ will: “My gold cup presented to me by my late partners upon the occasion of my retiring from trade and which I give and bequeath to Jonathan Yates.” After the cup’s departure from the Yates family, it became a part of the highly prestigious collection of Mahdi Al Tajir, the world’s most important 20th century silver collector. Al Tajir spared no expense in building his extraordinary collection, utilizing the wealth he built as oil minister for the United Arab Emirates’ burgeoning oil and gas industry. He exhibited his expansive collection at Christie’s in 1989 as part of their premier exhibit The Glory of the Goldsmith: Magnificent Gold and Silver from the Al-Tajir Collection. Hallmarked London 1801 Inscribed “This Cup was presented to WILLIAM YATES ESQ. by his late Partners as a Token of Respect expressive of high Sense entertained by them, of his important Services rendered the concern after he declined having a Share in the Business January: 1. 1802” Measures: 10 1/4” high x 7 1/2” wide x 4 3/4” deep Provenance: Presented to William Yates (1739-18 13) by his former partners on his leaving the business Bequeathed in his will to his son Lt. General Jonathan Yates (1780-1 854). Anonymous sale; Sotheby's, London, 17 November 1955, lot 162. Anonymous sale; Sotheby's, London, 7 March 1957, lot 102. The 7th Earl of Radnor's Marriage Settlement; Christie's, London, 24 November 1971, lot 73. Private Collection of Mahdi Al-Tajir. Private Collection, London. M.S. Rau, New Orleans. Literature: The will of William Yates,. My gold cup presented to me by my late partners upon the occasion of my retiring from trade and which I give and bequeath to Jonathan Yates’.

Creator:
Hannah Northcote (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 10.13 in (25.74 cm)Width: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)Depth: 4.75 in (12.07 cm)
Style:
Georgian (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Gold,Engraved
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1801
Condition:
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 31-66051stDibs: LU891133352002
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