Thistle Vase

1992 Thistle vase by Gerald Benney

Hammered silver, parcel-gilt vase, basse-taille red enamel over textured silver. Maker’s mark: Gerald Benney and Alan Evans, London. Stamped Gerald Benney London. Measurements: Height 22.4 cm. Diameter 29.8 cm.

The Company had no large scale example of the distinguished enamel work of Gerald Benney. This vase is a masterpiece with its exemplary control of rich enamel colour. Earlier, in 1991, Benney had completed the processional cross for Lichfield Cathedral where, as with this vase, he had used unusual enamel colours, brown and turquoise, inspired by the Cathedral’s Skidmore painted choir screen.

His deliberate choice of the very exacting technical challenge of deep crimson enamel with its brilliant rich effect perfectly enhances his classic design and is a fitting tribute to this outstanding designer silversmith. Commissioned by the Company.