BY ELKINGTON & CO., BIRMINGHAM, AFTER THE DESIGNS BY LEONARD MOREL-LADEUIL, LATE 19TH CENTURY

In 1859, silver manufacturer Elkington & Co. employed French designer Leonard Morel-Ladeuil to produce large-scale, intricately crafted objects intended for display, and more specifically to be exhibited at the Paris Exhibitions. Hoping to catch the world's attention with the originals, which were produced in damascened steel inset with silver, Elkington & Co. would then produce and sell high-quality electrotyped replicas. The "Milton Shield", as it is known, was shown at the Paris Exhibition of 1867 where it became one of the most praised pieces and was thus acquired by the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. The shield depicting scenes from The Pilgrim's Progress was displayed at the Paris Exhibition of 1878. The electrotypes were highly sought after following each Exhibition and four other examples are in the collection of the V & A (REPRO.1868C-138).