Review - All Must Have Prizes, Ashmolean Museum
Janet Larkin, Secretary, British Art Medal Society

Guest curator Sir Mark Jones has selected a fascinating group of prize medals dating from the mid-eighteenth to the mid- nineteenth centuryfor this special display at the Ashmolean. Dating from a time when best practice in husbandry, a good education, quality of work, and the acquisitionof useful skills were to be encouraged - not only for the individual but for the greater good of society, the medals reveal much about theaspirations of those who competed for them and the aims of those who sponsored their production.

In addition, they demonstrate the artistry and skill of the designers and medal- makers responsible for creating them. BAMS delegates attending the weekend conference in Oxford in June enjoyed a Private View of the display, and all would join me in recommending it. Put simply, it deserves a prize!

All Must Have Prizes 1750-1850
14 Jun 2016 to 13 Nov 2016

This display of medals and prizes from the mid-eighteenth century tell us about the ideals of personal and professional improvement throughcompetition during the time in which they were made.

Their images and inscriptions reveal the hopes and aspirations of those who created and competed for them.

Image: God Speed the Field, 1790, by John Milton. Duke of Athol's Farming Prize

To read the complete article, see:
Exhibition/Display Details All Must Have Prizes 1750-1850 (www.ashmolean.org/exhibitions/details/?exh=140)