The Trafalgar Vases
As part of the Sea Britain 2005 campaign, Anglesey Abbey will present an exhibition of Lord Fairhaven's silver and books centred on a nautical theme. The focal point of the exhibition will be three 'Trafalgar Vases' of silver and silver gilt. Trafalgar Vases were presented to officers whose courage, skill and seamanship had made victory possible. The vases form a unique collection within the National Trust and represent part of a set of sixty-six vases, which were designed by the sculptor John Flaxman and executed in silver by the eminent maker Benjamin Smith of London between 1806 and 1808.
David Chow - © National Trust
The vases were commissioned by the Lloyds Patriotic Fund to honour Naval Commanders in the war with France. The Anglesey vases commemorate the achievements of Captain Prowse of HMS Sirius, Captain Stopford of HMS Spencer and Rear Admiral of the White, Alexander Cochrane. The Vases are of double importance to the Sea Britain 2005 campaign as 2005 also marks the bi-centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar. The exhibition will run for the duration of the 2005 open season - 23/03/05 to 30/10/05.
Other items on display at Anglesey Abbey with a nautical connection include:
- A mahogany table made by George Bullock for use by Napoleon when exiled to the isle of Elba.
- The "View of Oaitepeha Bay, Tahiti 1776" by William Hodges who accompanied Captain Cook on his second voyage.
- Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton at Posilipo, Bay of Naples by J.T. Serres.
For more information, please talk to Room Stewards on duty in the relevant rooms when you visit.
Phil Warner, David Jordan
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