John Adams writes:
In 1969, the centenary year of the College, the Fitzwilliam boat became Head of the River in both Lents and Mays. Sir John Stratton, a generous supporter of the Boat Club who had been first President of the Billygoats Society commissioned a piece of silver from Brian Asquith of Youlgreave, Derbyshire to commemorate the achievement.
The fruit-bowl of distinctive and appropriate design was formally presented to the College by Sir John at the dinner of the Billygoats Society on 28 November 1970. Engraved down its centre-line is:
“Presented by Sir John Stratton C.B.E. to mark the achievement of Fitzwilliam College Boat Club in the Lent and May Races 1969.”
The piece has been on display in exhibitions in the V&A and in Japan.
Brian Asquith was born in Sheffield in 1930. He trained firstly at Sheffield College of Arts and Crafts and then won a scholarship to study sculpture under Frank Dobson at the Royal College of Art. He began to design and produce silver in the mid-60s. He formed the Brian Asquith Design Partnership and with a skilled team of craftsmen, including his own sons, he has sought to combine the traditional skill with modern production methods, often drawing inspiration from the landscape of Derbyshire.
Brian Asquith is a Liveryman of the Goldsmiths’ Company. His commissions include chalices and ciboria for Lichfield Cathedral plus important pieces for Chichester and Winchester Cathedrals and St James’s Church, Vancouver. He designed the World Champions Tennis Trophies for the International Tennis Federation and candelabra for the Goldsmiths’ Company. He has also made commissions for Glaxo plc and Ove Arup Partnership.
I am very familiar with this fruit-bowl which often prevents me from seeing the face of the person I am dining opposite at the Boat Club Dinner. It is usually placed in front of the Master or the most senior fellow at the dinner and, as secretary, I am often placed opposite them. Gradually, as the dinner unfolds, the candles burn down and the face is slowly revealed, wreathed in flame. – DG
John Jenner adds – You might like to know that the picture of the Stratton silver was taken after the necessary alterations had been made. I am sure John Adams will remember that during his speech Sir John Stratton turned the bowl through 180 degrees, because the port was circulated to the left and the boat should go that way with the College crest on the front and “mine as cox” at the back. Sir John then lit the eight VERY thin candles which due to the draft etc in the Hall almost burnt down before Sir John had finished, at which the man sitting next to me said ” good heavens it didn’t do that in my works”. I had of course been talking to him, but I hadn’t asked what he did and the subject had not come up. Anyway the fruit bowl was nearly full of candle grease and the larger trough and wider candle holders (still VIII of course) were made. I assume by the same man. For many years the Butler always put it on the table the right way, but a few years ago I commented on its direction to the lady butler and she had no idea of this story .