Auction Catalogue
WARWICKSHIRE, Birmingham, Tercentenary of King Edward’s Grammar School, 1852, a silver medal by P. Hollins for Allen & Moore, seated figure of Edward being presented with the founding charter by two courtiers, rev. a scroll depicting Charles Barry’s façade for the new building, 58mm, 111.60g (BHM 2502; D & W 208/50). A light stain on reverse, otherwise extremely fine and frosted, very rare in silver; set in glazed lunettes with silver rim, this named (Presented by the Governors to the Revd. E.H. Gifford, M.A., Head Master, April mdccclii), clip and ring for suspension £120-150
This lot was sold as part of a special collection, British Educational Award Medals from the Collection formed by the late T.H. Watts.
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Edwin Hamilton Gifford (1820-1905), theologian; b. Bristol, educ. Shrewsbury 1837-9 and St John’s College, Cambridge, 1839-43, winning the Chancellor’s medal in 1843; Second Master of Shrewsbury School 1843-8; ordained 1845; Head Master of King Edward’s School, 1848-62; honorary Canon of Worcester, 1853-77; rector of Walgrave, Northants, 1865-75, and Much Hadham, Herts, 1875-7; Archdeacon of London 1884-9.
Laurence Brown (BHM p.178) relates that Gifford was actively involved in the design and other aspects of the medal, which was approved by the school’s governors in February 1852. Hollins was paid £21 for the design, one gold medal was struck (ostensibly for Queen Victoria, but not now in the royal collection at Windsor), 17 in silver for “various pupils and masters” and 64 bronze for governors and other teachers
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