3-017-220 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Doncaster Race Cup, 1865. 'The piece of plate manufactured by Messrs. Hunt and Roskell for the "Doncaster Cup" this year, is a shield of 2 ft. diameter, made of oxydised silver, partly gilt, and bearing sculptures in relief...The artist is Mr. H. Barrett. The centre, which is in alto-relief, represents Henry of Bolingbroke (afterwards Henry IV.), on his return from banishment, met at Doncaster by the Earl of Northumberland, with his son Percy. The Earl of Westmoreland and the Lords Willoughby, Ross, and D'Arcy appear in the group. Bolingbroke and Northumberland are mounted. A monk thrusts his animated head into the scene. A jester also contributes his grotesque countenance. The group is well conceived and executed. The bassi-relievi in the side compartments illustrate Greek, Roman, and modern English racing. There are here the same accuracy of design, spirit, and freedom as in the centre piece. They are divided by medallions with figures, also in alto-relief, of the genii Victory and Fame holding shields, which bear the impress of the same excellence observable in the more ambitious parts of the composition. The Doncaster Cup of 1865 certainly does honour to the firm producing it, and is a work of art the winner may be proud to possess'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865.