FDA-A.352:2-2013
Parts
Object number
FDA-A.352:2-2013
Object type
Identification
Title
Prince Albert Case
Title Type
assigned by cataloguer
Description
Large oak and glass display cabinet, rectangular form, glazed sides and top, stand with square tapering canted legs, on tapering block feet; stands possibly associated
Comments
This is one of a pair of oak and glass display cabinets. A label relating to this piece in the Natural History Museum at Eton states: 'This display case and the one opposite are two of a set designed by HRH Prince Albert for the Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace in 1851. Some were presented to Eton College and the remainder to the Victoria and Albert Museum.' Another label in the museum reads: 'These two are the remnant from a set of seven. The superbly crafted cases were designed by Prince Albert for the Royal Exhibition at Crystal Palace in 1851. When the exhibition closed, seven cases were given to Eton College, to display the Thackeray birds, and the remainder to the Victoria and Albert Museum'.
Curiously, the cases are visible in a photograph, dating from c.1936, showing the College's Myers Collection and antiquities on display in the Millington Drake Room, within School Hall. This room, then described as the new Myers Museum extension, was the first part of the wider ‘Millington-Drake Scheme' to be completed in School Hall and School Library. The room was added at the back of School Hall. Edmond Lancelot (‘Bear') Warre was the architect and designed it in its entirety, including (reportedly) a series of free-standing wooden display cabinets with glass shelves, made in Queensland oak. In fact, the stands (bases) of these cabinets seem to be later than the tops. Could the explanation be that the tops were used in the 1851 Great Exhibition, while Warre added the stands during the 1930s?
Curiously, the cases are visible in a photograph, dating from c.1936, showing the College's Myers Collection and antiquities on display in the Millington Drake Room, within School Hall. This room, then described as the new Myers Museum extension, was the first part of the wider ‘Millington-Drake Scheme' to be completed in School Hall and School Library. The room was added at the back of School Hall. Edmond Lancelot (‘Bear') Warre was the architect and designed it in its entirety, including (reportedly) a series of free-standing wooden display cabinets with glass shelves, made in Queensland oak. In fact, the stands (bases) of these cabinets seem to be later than the tops. Could the explanation be that the tops were used in the 1851 Great Exhibition, while Warre added the stands during the 1930s?
Description
Dimensions
height (actual size): 1630mm
width (actual size): 1200mm
depth (actual size): 420mm
width (actual size): 1200mm
depth (actual size): 420mm
Material
oak
glass
glass
Physical description
Large oak and glass display cabinet; the upper section of rectangular form, with curved corners, glazed sides and top, the stand with square tapering and canted legs, on tapering block feet; stands possibly associated
Production
Date
1850
History and association
Object history note
Provenance: Possibly made for the Great Exhibition of 1851; after which presented to Eton College, for the display of the Thackeray birds; adapted by Edmond Lancelot ('Bear') Warre
