Art Funded by you

The Gilbert Spoon

John Edes, 1580–1590

The squirrel perched on the end of this silver spoon formed a prominent part of the family crest of the Gilberts, an eminent Elizabethan family whose achievements included the defence of Britain from the Spanish armada and the colonisation of America. The hallmark on the spoon indicates that it was made around 1580 by John Edes, an Exeter silversmith who trained under the esteemed goldsmith John Jones. The spoon was probably made as part of a set for Sir John Gilbert. The oldest of the three Gilbert brothers, John was knighted in 1571 and as Vice-Admiral of Devon was instrumental in organising the defence against the Spanish Armada. The middle brother, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, led the 1583 expedition that established a colony on Newfoundland, but he drowned on the voyage home following the sinking of his frigate, the Squirrel. When Sir John Gilbert died in 1596, his silverware passed on to his youngest brother, Adrian Gilbert, who commemorated the inheritance by engraving the spoon with the date and his initials. Adrian served as an agent to Sir Walter Raleigh, with whom he established the first British colony in the New World at Roanoke Island in Virginia. The spoon was most likely crafted from silver from the Combe Martin mines, which were owned by the Gilbert family, and the squirrel finial is thought to be unique among early English silverware.

More information

Title of artwork, date

The Gilbert Spoon, 1580–1590

Date supported

2013

Medium and material

Silver

Dimensions

Length: 18 cm

Grant

7500

Total cost

32500

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

Art Funded by you FAQs

Why is this object record marked 'archive'?
Where can I see this work of art? Is it on display?
What is Art Fund's purpose?
How is Art Fund funded?
What type of funding do you offer?
What does the acquisition grants programme support and who can apply?
How many works of art has Art Fund helped museums to acquire?
I’m a curator/researcher/arts professional and would like to find out more about this work, how do I get in touch?
I’m a journalist and would like to contact Art Fund about this work, how do I get in touch?
I would like to donate a work of art to a museum. What do I need to do?
I'd like to leave a gift to Art Fund in my will. How can I do this?

Contact us

If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.