2-970-213 - /Heritage Images

The Ascot Race Plate: the Gold Vase - the White Doe of Rilstone alluring Thomas the Rhymer into Fairyland, 1856. Trophy which '...illustrates the legend which Sir Walter Scott has made popular, in his account of the "Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border"...The story is thus told: The Rhymer, in his youth, was attracted by the Fairy Queen into Fairyland, from which, after a visit of seven years, he was allowed to return to Scotland, conditionally, that when sent for by her Majesty he should come back again to her abode. He is sent for; and he is, moreover, obliged, by the force of the fairy spells, to follow the White Doe. The artist represents his departure, the Doe leading the way, and Thomas following on horseback'. [The piece was] manufactured at the establishment of Messrs. Garrard, jewellers to the Crown...from designs and models by Mr. Cotterill'. From "Illustrated London News", 1856.