The Home Beautiful: The Ladle from the Grand Punch Bowl, 1841

Ladel from the Grand Punch Bowl
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
This and all related images
Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Edward, John & William Barnard served as the silversmiths for this handsome ladle of ivory and silver gilt. The piece was made between 1841 and 1842 for The Grand Punch Bowl that has presided over many a soiree at the Royal Residences. The bowl, originally a wine cooler, was changed into its present form for the christening of Prince Albert Edward (later King Edward VII) at Windsor Castle. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert commissioned the Barnards to create this ladle for the event.

The bowl of the ladle is formed of silver gilt in the shape of a large, matted shell with a relief of coral. The ivory shaft is joined by a foliate spray of silver gilt. Since the piece was made for the christening of Prince Albert Edward, the shaft terminates in the Prince of Wales’ feathers.

Object of the Day, Museum Edition: Prince Albert Edward with a Terrier, 1864



Prince Albert Edward and Friend, 1864
The Royal Collection



Queen Victoria’s son, Prince Albert Edward (later King Edward VII) inherited his mother’s appreciation for dogs. Many of the photographs of Edward VII in The Royal Collection show him with dogs. From his infancy to his death, this was a man who enjoyed his canine companions. Of course, later in life, Edward’s favorite companion was Caesar, however, he seems to have a rather good relationship with this particular pleasant-looking terrier. The dog appears to be smiling as Prince Albert Edward playfully tugs his ear.

The Royal Households have always been home to many dogs. There has even been the occasional cat. For an in-depth look at Royal pets through the ages, check out Noble Hounds and Dear Companions.

Gifts of Grandeur: The Greyhound Box, c. 1888

Micromosaic, gold and agate box
England, 1888
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

This handsome circular agate box and cover boasts gold rims and an intricate micromosaic of a greyhound set against a background of brilliant sky blue. The inside of the cover is engraved with the Prince of Wales’ feathers, his motto and the cipher “AE.” 

This box has a rather interesting history within the Royal Family. It was made for Edward VII when still Prince of Wales. The box was a gift from Mr. Percy Doyle who’d asked that the interior be engraved with the prince’s cipher for his birth name, Albert Edward. 

After King Edward VII’s death in 1910, the box was passed to his sister, Princess Victoria (daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who lived FOREVER) who would later give the box to her nephew, the new King George V on his birthday in 1932. Of course, George’s consort, Mary, was quick to get her hands on it, and, in doing so, preserved this masterpiece in the Royal Collection. 

The Home Beautiful: The Ladle from the Grand Punch Bowl, 1841

Lade from the Grand Punch Bowl
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
This and all related images
Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Edward, John & William Barnard served as the silversmiths for this handsome ladle of ivory and silver gilt. The piece was made between 1841 and 1842 for The Grand Punch Bowl that has presided over many a soiree at the Royal Residences. The bowl, originally a wine cooler, was changed into its present form for the christening of Prince Albert Edward (later King Edward VII) at Windsor Castle. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert commissioned the Barnards to create this ladle for the event.

The bowl of the ladle is formed of silver gilt in the shape of a large, matted shell with a relief of coral. The ivory shaft is joined by a foliate spray of silver gilt. Since the piece was made for the christening of Prince Albert Edward, the shaft terminates in the Prince of Wales’ feathers.

Gratuitous Bertie Dog Picture, Caption Contest: Two and a Half Berties

Let’s have a Bertie Dog caption contest. What would Bertie be saying at this moment? Answers in the comments section, please.

Image: Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) with Prince Alfred, 1849, Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805-73), Crown Copyright, The Royal Collection, Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

You know you want to have a Bertie Dog mug, tee-shirt, tote bag or water bottle. You know you do. So, take a look at our online store. 

Painting of the Day: Victoria, Princess Royal, with Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, 1843

Victoria, Princess Royal with Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, and Islay the Dog
Thomas Musgrove, 1843
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Thomas Musgrove Joy (1812-66) painted this masterpiece in 1843. The piece was commissioned by Her Majesty Queen Victoria and is actually a newer version of a different painting which was originally created by Sir Francis Grant of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s two eldest children. 


Now, it may look like two little girls, but let's remember that, in the early Nineteenth Century--in fact, well into the late Nineteenth Century--little boys below a certain age wore dresses, too.

Here, we see Prince Albert Edward (“Bertie”—later King Edward VII) who is shown as a child with a rattle in his hand and his sister, Victoria the Princess Royal, is holding up a biscuit for which Islay the dog is begging. Islay was Queen Victoria’s favorite Skye terrier. The Queen described him as “my faithful little companion of more than 5 years ... always with me, & ... a great darling.”

Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Pets of the Belle Époque: Prince Albert Edward with a Terrier, 1864

Prince Albert Edward and Friend, 1864
The Royal Collection

Queen Victoria’s son, Prince Albert Edward (later King Edward VII) inherited his mother’s appreciation for dogs. Many of the photographs of Edward VII in The Royal Collection show him with dogs. From his infancy to his death, this was a man who enjoyed his canine companions. Of course, later in life, Edward’s favorite companion was Caesar, however, he seems to have a rather good relationship with this particular pleasant-looking terrier. The dog appears to be smiling as Prince Albert Edward playfully tugs his ear.

The Royal Households have always been home to many dogs. There has even been the occasional cat. For an in-depth look at Royal pets through the ages, check out Noble Hounds and Dear Companions.