ECS-S.52-2014

ECS-S.52-2014

ewer

Balston Flagon

Large parcel gilt ewer with lid, relief decoration; lid surmounted by a female figure in the round

‘PRESENTATION TO DR. BALSTON.

The Testimonial which was got up in the School, upon Dr. BALSTON'S retirement from the post of Head Master, was presented on Thursday last in Upper School. The piece of Plate consists of a Silver Parcel-gilt Classical Tankard, one side of which is decorated with a bas-relief illustration of education; the reverse bearing the Eton Arms and those of Dr. Balston, together with the following inscription:- "Presented to the Rev. E. Balston, D.D. by Present Etonians, on his resignation of the Head-Mastership, Christmas, 1867." The cover is, surmounted by a seated figure of Minerva, as Goddess of Wisdom; and the handle springs from a beautifully modelled head of Jupiter. The elegance of design and the exquisite finish of the workmanship does great credit to Mr. J. W. Benson, of Bond Street, by whom it was manufactured.

Upon Dr. Balston's entering the room, the Tankard, which was placed on a stand at the head of the room, was unveiled by Messrs. Prothero and Tritton, who stood on either side of the table. After long rounds of tremendous cheers had subsided, Prothero said, -

"We wish, Sir, to present you with this Tankard on behalf of the School, as a slight token of regard and esteem for you. It is but a small present in itself, but if it were ten times as valuable, it would not express the feelings we have towards you. It is now customary to give Testimonials on nearly every occasion, but with us it is no mere form or ceremony; it is the expression of heartfelt gratitude to you for the manner in which you filled your high office as Head-Master of the School for nearly seven years."

Dr. Balston then stepped forward, and after a perfect thunder of applause had subsided, said, -

"I little thought, when I took my leave of you in this place, that I should be recalled to receive this most beautiful present. What was given to me at that time, as the spontaneous expression of regret on the part of the Boys, I knew to be genuine and sincere, and I cannot but regard this present as the solid memory of that regret, which I shall always value highly. I think I know pretty well the feelings which have prompted you. I know also how to value the expression of them. As to thanking you words cannot -
words seem so inadequate and poor. Still I must beg you to believe, when I say I thank you all, that I wish I had words to express my thanks.

One thing I am sure you will all admit, that, without going to Ascot to-day, which it is not my intention to do, I have certainly won the Cup, (cheers) of which I may be justly proud; and of the many Cups presented in this world, none I suspect is more really beautiful than this.

Boys, if I may still be allowed to call you Boys, I thank you."
This terminated the proceedings.’

[Source: ‘The Eton College Chronicle’, 18 June 1868, p.412]

52

height (actual size): 464mm

Inscribed: PRESENTED TO THE / REV.D EDWARD BALSTON, D.D./ BY PRESENT ETONIANS/ ON HIS RESIGNATION OF THE/ HEADMASTERSHIP/ CHRISTMAS 1867
Engraved with the arms of Eton College and of Balston

Leopards head
Lion passant
Duty mark
Date mark: 1867-1868
Maker's mark: E. Barnard & Sons

silver

Large, and heavy parcel-gilt ewer. Serpentine handle and the hinged lid surmounted by a figure of Minerva. Engraved with the arms of Eton College and of Balston.
Palmette motif around the flaring foot.

Barnard, Edward () (Silversmith)

1867-1868

Presented to Edward Balston, Headmaster

Balston, Edward, 1817 - 1891, Head Master and Fellow of Eton College

• Jones, E. Alfred, The Plate of Eton College, The London Saint Catherine Press, 1938 (p.37)