More things you didn't know the Friends have done #4

Our very first purchase! Presented to the gallery in 1968.

 

Made around 1915, this wonderfully exuberant cut-glass claret jug is a small piece of history for us. The heavily faceted glass body catches the light from every angle, while the dark, polished metalwork of the handle, collar and stopper gives it a wonderfully theatrical presence.

Most importantly, though, this was the first purchase made with FLAG's support. So while it may have started life as a rather handsome vessel for claret, for us it represents the beginning of something much bigger and is the first chapter in FLAG's story of supporting the gallery and helping to build its collection.

It's an elegant cut-glass claret jug combining a beautifully worked glass body with a silver-plated or silver mount, handle and stopper. Its generous, tapering form is covered with an intricate pattern of cut facets, diamonds and starbursts, designed to catch and scatter the light and is just as decorative when empty as it would have been practical when filled with wine!