Arts and Crafts chalice could strike gold

Two Arts & Crafts masterpieces that represent the pinnacle of the silver and goldsmiths’ art will go on sale at Chorley’s auctioneers in the Cotswolds on November 19.

The first is a solid 22ct gold chalice made by the Guild of Handicraft in 1952. The Guild operated from Chipping Campden, representing the apotheosis of the Cotswolds Arts & Crafts Movement. Studded with gemstones including amethyst, moonstone, opal and Citrine, the chalice is literally worth more than its weight in gold. It is presented, along with its paten, in a fitted wooden box and carries an estimate of £40,000-60,000.

The second piece is a silver and enamel monstrance designed and made by the polymath Henry Wilson who was an architect, silversmith, jeweller, sculptor and designer. The monstrance was designed for the Benedictine order of Monks at Caldey Abbey off the Pembrokeshire Coast in 1910.

Within its architectural form, it incorporates a series of colourful enamelled roundels and images, including Melchizedek offering sustenance to Abraham, epitomising the liturgical role of the monstrance, whose crystal locket serves to display the wafer of the Eucharist. The Victoria and Albert museum hold a large collection of work by Wilson including silver, jewellery and designs; this astounding piece is of museum quality and asks £20,000-30,000.
Both items are being sold at Chorley’s by the Benedictine community at Prinknash Abbey, Cheltenham.

Thomas Jenner-Fust, auctioneer and director at Chorley’s, said: “Such important Arts and Crafts masterpieces rarely come on the market, so we expect international interest. The quality of the workmanship involved in both pieces is exceptional and it is an honour to be offering them for sale.”