The Queen’s Cup

Queen Elizabeth II, 1953. Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

As we mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we can reflect on the contribution made by a young Strathfield lady to the celebrations following her coronation. Stenographer, Judith Wilkinson was living in London during the early 1950s when she was employed by The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, which received its royal charter in 1327. Amongst its archives, Judith discovered that the Company had presented Queen Elizabeth I with a formal covered cup in silver-gilt, called the Bowes Cup, for her coronation in 1558. Known by her employers as ‘the Australian miss with ideas,’[1] Judith suggested that the Company repeat the gesture for Queen Elizabeth II. Her idea was received with great enthusiasm.

The Sun 29 May 1953 p.3 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/231045540

 

A competition was held to design a cup worthy of the new Queen. The 200 guinea prize was won by Professor Robert Goodden (1909-2002), with a design reflecting a traditional steeple cup from the first Elizabethan era. The Queen’s Cup, worth £500, was created by Wakely & Wheeler and incorporated both the Coronation mark and the Royal Arms. Goodden had also designed the coronation hangings for Westminster Abbey.[2]

Following Her Majesty’s tour of Australia in 1954, a banquet was held at the Mansion House, London on 19 May where she was formally presented with the Queen’s Cup. The occasion was marked with a painting by Terence Cuneo, showing the Queen holding the ceremonial cup.[3] On the table in front of her is Elizabeth I’s Bowes Cup, signifying the two Elizabethan ages. You can see the painting and a photo of the Queen’s impressively grand Cup at: https://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/company/today/stories/making-memory/

Judith Wilkinson was the daughter of photographer and merchant, Cecil Anthony Wilkinson and his wife, Marie. The family lived at Birralee in Albert Road, Strathfield during the early 1930s. By 1937 the family had moved to 3 Gelling Avenue. Employed by her father, Judith regularly featured in the society newspapers. During July 1946 she holidayed with her parents in Melbourne and was photographed by The Daily Telegraph on her return. ‘Tall and slim, Judith studies music, and is fond of ice skating and dancing. She is fashion-conscious, designs her own clothes, and prefers reading as a hobby.’[4]

Daily Telegraph 1 August 1946 p.24 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/248527358

In March 1950 Judith sailed for Britain on the Otranto for a year’s holiday abroad,[5] although she ended up staying for a few years. With four friends she bought a car, touring Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the continent for several months.[6]

Judith (left) before sailing for London. The Sun 8 March 1950 p.25 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/230170209

In 1951 Judith was one of 94 people from NSW invited to a presentation party with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) at Buckingham Palace.[7] Guests were coached in the art of the court curtsy. Judith wore a ‘full-skirted frock of cyclamen shot taffeta’ for the occasion.[8]

For the Queen’s coronation in 1953 Judith, ‘a tall, slim brunette with sparkling blue eyes’,[9] along with seven other Australians, secured a £4 seat on the Mall to watch the procession.[10] She sailed home to Sydney later that year, some months before the ceremonial presentation to the Queen of the Queen’s Cup.

In 1957 Judith married Bruce Gittoes, who was also from Strathfield. She died, aged 86 in October 2010.

Today, the chalices of both Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II remain in the collection of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths.

You can read more about the history of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths at: https://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/company/history/history-of-the-company/

 

By J.J. MacRitchie

Local Studies Advisor

 

References

[1] Warwick Daily News (QLD) 2 June 1953 p.3 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/187209762

 

[2] The Guardian 26 March 2002 https://www.theguardian.com/news/2002/mar/26/guardianobituaries.arts

 

[3] Thornton, Dora ‘Making memory’ https://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/company/today/stories/making-memory/

 

[4] The Daily Telegraph 1 August 1946 p.24 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/248527358

 

[5] The Sun 8 March 1950 p.25 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/230170209

 

[6] Catholic Weekly 25 January 1951 p.1 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/146746265

 

[7] The Sun 29 April 1951 p.35 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/230070166

 

[8] The Daily Telegraph 10 May 1951 p.18 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/248675455

 

[9] The Sun 29 May 1953 p.3 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/231045539/24823191

 

[10] Warwick Daily News (QLD) 2 June 1953 p.3 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/187209762