Model: M.1-1941

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Given (1941-01-16) by Gow, S. F.

Dating

19th Century
Circa 1840 - 1900

Note

Made as a prize for jousting.

This superb model of a knight on his armoured horse, in the style of the mid-16th century, was made by the company E. Granger of Paris in the 1830s. It is thought that this piece was offered as a prize at the Eglington Tournament held in 1839. Archibald Montgomerie, 13th Earl of Eglinton, organized a re-enactment of a medieval tournament at Eglinton Castle, near Kilwinning in Scotland on Friday 30 August 1839. Many distinguished visitors took part, including the future Napoleon III of France. Widely publicized and open to the public, it was a deliberate set piece of romanticism in the face of the widespread social and ideological upheaval experienced by Europe during the 1830s. It was a hugely popular and significant event, though planned for 4,000 people, it drew over 100,000 spectators, which had a significant impact on attitudes to the gothic revival in Britain. The first day was abandoned because of heavy rain, but the tournament and revels went on for a second day due to popular demand.