MARK OF JOHN SAMUEL HUNT, LONDON, 1843, DESIGNED BY FRANK HOWARD

THE ASCOT GOLD CUP
This shield is recorded in the Illustrated London News for 8 June 1844. the author notes,

'This shield, 'The Gold Cup' won at Ascot in 1844 by Lord Albermarle's Defence, was manufactured by Messrs. Hunt and Roskell, (late Storr, Mortimer, and Hunt), of Bond Street, from an original design by Mr. Howard, the execution and correction of which was superintended by Mr. Baily, R.A. ...The work is throughout a splendid specimen of chasing, and, altogether, reflects high honour upon all engaged in its design and execution. It is a truly magnificent production, and would grace the sideboard of any noble mansion in England.'

The Gold cup was established in 1807 and is run every June at Ascot over a distance of 2 miles and 4 furlongs. The 1844 running was noteworthy for the attendance of Emperor Nicholas I of Russia, during his state visit to England. As Lord Albermarle had not yet named his horse, after its victory it became known as The Emperor in honour of the visiting monarch. In return Nicholas offered a new trophy for the race, and the Emperor's Plate became the title of the event from 1845 until 1853 when the outbreak of the Crimean War saw the end of cordial relations between Britain and Russia.

FRANK HOWARD (1805-1866)
The Illustrated London News records the designer as Mr. Howard. This is the artist Frank Howard, the son of Henry Howard (1769-1847) who also worked with Edward Hodges Baily and the Royal Goldsmiths Rundell, Bridge and Rundell. Frank Howard was initially a pupil of and then assistant to the court painter Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1839). The year after he completed the current lot he is recorded as the designer of the Doncaster Cup for 1845, which depicted the Trojan hero Diomed in a chariot. He is also listed as the designer of the immense Ellenborough Service, which weighed over 5,000 ounces. Created for the 1st Earl of Ellenborough (1790-1871) in recognition of his service and Governor General of India, the highly sculptural service featured numerous figures in Indian dress and was much admired at the time. The Gentleman's Magazine for August 1866 records his death in Liverpool from paralysis at the age of 61. His obituary noted his many achievements including his role as 'consulting designer and modeller to Messrs Storr and Mortimer' and his cartoon designs for the Westminster Hall competition in 1843.

EDWARD HODGES BAILY R.A.
The sculptor Edward Hodges Baily (1788-1867), who oversaw the production of the Ascot Gold Cup, worked extensively for the silversmiths Hunt and Roskell. He is also remembered for the figure of Admiral Nelson which crowns Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square. He studied at the Royal Academy School and became an associate of the Academy in 1817, coming just ahead of the painter John Constable in the ballot. On the death of Benjamin West he was elected as a Royal Academician. He trained as a modeller and carver in the studio of the celebrated artist and sculptor John Flaxman and joined the workshops of the Royal Goldsmiths Rundell, Bridge and Rundell as a designer and sculptor in 1815. After 1833, he joined Paul Storr and stayed with Storr and Mortimer’s successor firms, which traded as Mortimer and Hunt from 1839 until 1843 and then as Hunt and Roskell until 1897, (C. Oman, 'A Problem of Artistic Responsibility: The Firm of Rundell, Bridge & Rundell', Apollo, January, 1966, p. 180). He created sculptural trophies for Ascot, Doncaster and Goodwood Races and many Testimonials. In addition to designing these major works in silver he is well known as the sculptor of several famous monuments in London, in addition to the figure of Nelson mentioned previously; such as exterior and interior sculptural panels for Buckingham Palace and Marble Arch, and numerous sculptures in St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.

The Ascot Cup. Illustrated for The Pictorial Times, 8 June 1844. © Look and Learn / Illustrated Papers Collection / Bridgeman Images

William, 4th Earl of Albemarle (1772-1849), by S. Freeman. © Bridgeman Images