The 19th Century Exhibitions

Having shown work at the Great Exhibitions of 1851 Hancocks were represented at all such major events in Europe as well as London.

These exhibitions ran for many months and were the forerunners of the later World Fairs. Hancocks were particularly successful at the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1867, being awarded several medals of excellence, medals which added to their previous successes in London and Paris. Many of these are still in the possession of the firm. Among entries in the firm's private diary are those stating the number of cases of stock sent to Paris - 17 in all - and the fact that Mr. Hancock left for Paris on 30 March not returning until 12 November!

However the most notable of these events was the Vienna Exhibition of 1873 where Hancocks were awarded, "solely", the Emperor's gold medal for Science and Art in addition to "The Prize Medal". Fortunately, the firm has detailed costings of this Exhibition in it's diary and a photograph showing the front of the firm's huge exhibition stand.

Framed in the doorway of the stand is a figure, presumed to be that of Mr. Stewart, and some of the vast array of goods to be seen. Most interestingly the author, whilst researching this article, has identified one such item.

Hancocks made for this Exhibition a pair of parcel-gilt dessert stands, one of which is shown here. In Hancocks' catalogue of 1985/86 this pair is illustrated for sale at £6,800. Sadly, there is no record of the asking price in 1873! The firm's diary noted Mr. Stewart's departure for Vienna on 23 April and his return on 18 November.
 

Interested in more of Hancocks history? Select one of the following links:

Charles F. Hancock

The Devonshire Parure

The Victoria Cross

19th Century Exhibitions

Personalities