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Communion Beaker made by Alexander Galloway
Communion Beaker
Communion Beaker made by Alexander Galloway
Communion Beaker made by Alexander Galloway

Communion Beaker

Silversmith (Scotland, active 1671 - 1680)
Datec.1671-1678
Object NameCup
Mediumsilver
ClassificationsApplied Art
DimensionsHeight: 14.5 cm, width (rim): 11.4cm, width (foot): 8.2 cm
Weight: 323.8g
AcquisitionPurchased in 2009 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions, The Art Fund and the Friends of Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums.
CopyrightOut of copyright
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG011363
About MeThis pair of early Communion Beakers by Alexander Galloway dates to around 1671-78.
Both are engraved with stylised birds and a dedicatory inscription. They are also inscribed the initials ‘M’ over ‘AS’ for Alexander Skene, minister of the Parish of Turriff from 1666-78.
The cups were presented to Turriff Parish Church by Isobel Mowatt, Lady Balquhollie for use in the sacrament of communion. After the Reformation all parish churches were required to have sufficient vessels to administer the sacrament to the whole congregation. Many local landed families gifted cups for this purpose to their parish church.