George Dawson – Testimonial goblet
On April 30th, 1852 a large testimonial cup was presented to George Dawson, by the United Flint Glass Makers of Birmingham, at Odd Fellows’ Hall, Temple Street, Birmingham.
The address stated:
Accept Sir, this Cup as a specimen of our Art, and as humble proof of what Labour can accomplish.
also that
our humble offering, Sir, is not of much monetary worth, its value lies in the large and loving hearts from which it emanates
The goblet, which stands 33cm high, has inscribed within a shield on one side
Presented to George Dawson MA by the United Flint Glassmakers of Birmingham for his advocacy of the cause of humanity and progress and more especially the cause of Hungary April 30th 1852.
The other side it is engraved with the flags of the United Kingdom, United States of America, France and Turkey tied together with a bow under the words Equality, Eternity, Liberty, and dated Nov.r 10th 1851. Between these two depictions are engraved emblematic foliage of the United Kingdom (roses, thistles and shamrocks).
Hungarian flag
The goblet is made up of three cased colour elements, the bowl is cased ruby, the stem cased opal and the foot cased green these colours being emblematic of the Hungarian flag.
Historical significance
The date, Nov.r 10th 1851, is a reference to one of the most memorable, colourful, stirring events in the history of Birmingham when the Hungarian patriot Louis [Lajos] Kossuth and the cause of Hungarian freedom were acclaimed by thousands of Birmingham citizens.
George Dawson
Professor Ewan Fernie tells the thrilling but almost totally forgotten story of George Dawson – preacher, activist and father of the Civic Gospel – who shaped the world’s image of Birmingham in the 19th century. This podcast includes details of the visit to Birmingham by Louis Kossuth, the occasion that was commemorated by this testimonial goblet.