Richmond Race Cup London 1794 by Robert & Thomas Makepeace

A magnificent silver-gilt Richmond Race Cup made in London in 1794 by Robert & Thomas Makepeace. Engraved on the rim “PETER DENYS and CONYERS NORTON ESQUIRES Stewards” “RICHMOND, 1794”; and under the base with the coat of arms for Anthony Ashley (Cooper), 5^th Earl of Shaftesbury impaling Barbara Webb, a co heiress to the Barony of Mauley and only child of the winning owner Sir John Webb, 5^th Bt.

The celebrated 18^th century architect and designer Robert Adam, who was the driving force behind the mid 18^th century classical revival, was commissioned in 1757 by Thomas Dundas to design the Richmond Gold Cup horse race tropy. The prize was valued at 100 guineas and upwards and became the most desirable trophy of the North. Such was the status of the race, the most eminent silversmiths were responsible for designing and making the trophies, gradually evolving Adam’s original design. The cup is also engraved “MAKEPEACE Fecit” on the rim of the base and is the signature of the retailer Robert Makepeace II who entered his maker’s mark with his brother Thomas in 1794.

Sir John Webb’s winning Constant, at 5 to 2, was by Highflyer, the leading sire for fifteen years during which time he produced 469 winners.

Height to top of finial 20.5" (52cm).