Richmond Race Cup
On View In:
Gallery 350
Artist:   Robert Adam
Smith & Sharp
Daniel Smith
Robert Sharp  
Title:   Richmond Race Cup  
Date:   1767  
Medium:   Silver, gilt  
Dimensions:   19 1/2 x 16 7/8 x 8 1/2 in. (49.53 x 42.86 x 21.59 cm)  
Credit Line:   Gift of funds from Mary Agnes and Al McQuinn  
Location:   Gallery 350  

This cup commemorates a centuries-old equestrian event that takes place in Richmond, Yorkshire, named The Richmond Gold Cup for its distinctive gold and silver trophies. Thomas Dundas, whose family hosted the race, commissioned in 1764 a new trophy design from architect/designer Robert Adam. His refined urn shape was so radically different from the cups that preceded it, that the shape continues to be associated with Adam, father of English Neoclassical design. Only four versions directly inspired by Adam's designs were produced. The Institute's example was the prize for the 1767 race. Two cups remain in the families of their original century owners, and one is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Artist/Creator(s)     
Name:   Sharp, Robert  
Role:   Silversmith  
Nationality:   British  
Life Dates:   British  
 
Name:   Smith, Daniel  
Role:   Silversmith  
Nationality:   English  
Life Dates:   English  
 
Name:   Adam, Robert  
Role:   Designer  
Nationality:   Scottish/British  
Life Dates:   Scottish, 1728-1792  
 
Name:   Smith & Sharp  
Role:   Manufacturer  
Life Dates:   London, 1763-1789  
 

Object Description  
  
Inscriptions:   Inscription, Stamp and Sticker See Mark(s) At top edge, front, engraved: [RICHMOND 1767.]; around foot, engraved: [Won by Chatsworth the Proper  
Classification:   Metalwork  
Physical Description:   loving cup with cover; handles are maidens with wings in place of arms; cartouche of two horses and jockeys racing on one side, two horses with jockeys and grooms opposite side; racing horses, jockeys, spectators and grooms in frieze around top; gold patina  
Creation Place:   , England, , ,  
Accession #:   2005.116a,b  
Owner:   The Minneapolis Institute of Arts