Inscribed: ANNO COLLEGII SESCENTESIMO HIS URCEOLIS THESAUROS AUXERUNT CUSTOS ET SOCII [In the six-hundredth year of the College, the Warden and Fellows added these pitchers to their treasures]

Engraved with the arms of Wykeham.

Commissioned by the Warden and Fellows to mark six hundred years since the foundation of the College. The objective was to have ‘a first-class 1981/82 design’. An original idea for a salt (designed by Alex Styles and to be made by Garrards) was rejected by the Fellows. It was Graham Drew (Drawing Master, 1958-1980) who suggested commissioning Gerald Benney (1930-2008), one of the leading silversmiths of the twentieth century and the first craftsman to hold four Royal Warrants simultaneously.

The bark effect around the lower part of the jugs is a distinctive feature of Benney’s work. This finish was discovered by accident when he inadvertently used a hammer with a damaged head. The tongues of the lids are designed to prevent ice from escaping when water is poured from the jugs.

Provenance: Commissioned by Winchester College, 1982 (£1,800 each plus VAT).