2-888-130 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Plate presented to Mr. Peter Mathews, at a Protectionist Demonstration, at Cirencester, on Wednesday, 1850. '...a costly Testimonial...was presented to Mr. Peter Mathews, of Comb End Farm, Gloucestershire, as a mark of respect from the owners and occupiers of land, for his zealous support of agriculture, and energetic endeavours to expose the fallacies of theorists in the cultivation of the soil. The presentation took place at the Swan Hotel...The Plate, which cost £250, consists of a handsome tea and coffee service, and a tastefully-executed epergne, from the establishment of Messrs. Hunt and Roskell; the design being a massive circular pedestal, bearing a scroll, with...inscription, surmounted by two graceful figures - Prudence protecting Agriculture - and a shaft, in imitation of a vine branch, supporting the chalice...and ornamented with vine foliage'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.