Casket Presented To Lord Tredegar At The Freedom Of Newport Presentation
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Photo reference number: 2003
The Freedom of Newport was conferred on Lord Tredegar in Newport on Wednesday 9th of June, 1909. The script was presented in the silver casket pictured above. This was the first time this honour had been awarded.
Here is a description of the casket from "The Weekly Mail"", Saturday 12th June, 1909:
"The design of the casket by Mr. L. S. Abrahamson met with the unanimous approval of the committee charged with the presentation. It is a fine piece of the silversmiths' art, richly gilt in the Renaissance style. The general form is rectangular, with the ends extended in the form of a portico, with six massive pillars richly carved and moulded. All round the sides are panelled. In the centre obverse are placed the full armorial blazon of the Tredegar family, raised and carved in relief and enamelled in their proper colours. Below there is a finely painted view of Tredegar House, and on the other sides are views of Newport, the castle and Belle Vue Park. On the reverse a large panel depicts the docks at Newport, with all the varied activities connected therewith. At either end and at the lower moulding are panels in relief depicting agriculture and scientific research. Upon the raised lid there is on the obverse a finely enamelled miniature of the recipient, and on the reverse a verse from Tennyson's "Charge of the Light Brigade." The arms of Newport, with the Horn of Plenty, leeks, Tudor roses, and other national emblems are placed round, with the Lamp of Learning at each end. The casket is supported upon six massive feet formed by model lions couchant, and the whole rests upon an ornamental plinth of polished walnut and velvet."
Postcard photo by Ballard.
From the private collection of Patrick White.
