2-969-721 - /Heritage Images

Centre-piece of the Wilcox and Anderson Services of Plate, 1856. 'This ornament is four feet in height, and has branches for nine candles and three dishes for flowers. On the...base are the camel, the elephant, and the lion. The principal group represents Enterprise, indicating on a chart the routes of the [Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation] company's steamers, and the Genius of Steam exhibiting to Neptune (who is seated on a rock washed by the sea) the steam cylinder and the screw as the great agents in the work. The date-palm, banana, and fan-palm rise from the base; and the crowning figure represents Commerce, with the emblems of Peace and Plenty resting upon the globe...'. The piece was designed and manufactured by Messrs. Smith, Nicholson, and Co., and was presented to Brodie McGhie Willcox and Arthur Anderson, co-founders of P&O. From "Illustrated London News", 1856.