based on the famous Studley Bowl, a fourteenth century lidded bowl and stand which now resides in the Victoria and Albert Museum (Accession No.: M.1:1, 2-1914), similarly decorated with stylised foliate branches and a blackletter alphabet with pierced openwork stand.
Hallmark for William Hutton & Sons
London, 1913
The Studley Bowl was acquired by The Victoria and Albert Museum in 1914. It is considered one of the very finest examples of Medieval domestic silverware to have survived and fast became one of the museum’s most admired and prized exhibits, appearing on postcards and even Will’s cigarette cards.
Its decoration is highly unusual and it is thought to have possibly been made for a child, to help teach them the Latin alphabet and its contractions. When The Times reported the acquisition in February 1914, it was described as a ‘tree of knowledge.’
This rare silver replica by William Hutton and Sons was made shortly after its rediscovery. The firm were famed for their often eccentric silver designs, as well as work in the Art Nouveau style made in collaboration with artists such as Kate Harris.