Tag Archives: Mourning Jewellery

Jeremy Bentham and His Mourning Rings

Posted on February 9, 2024 by Fellows
Jeremy Bentham What do you think of when I say the word: mummy? Perhaps you think of Tutenkamun’s funerary mask, and last-minute toilet roll Halloween costumes, or maybe (like me) you think of Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz. I doubt, however, that you think of 19th-century philosophers. Jeremy Bentham wanted to change that. Immortalised in the corridors of UCL, sits the mummified body of Jeremy Bentham. Now a local celebrity among the students, Bentham was once known for more than just his corpse. During his lifetime he was a somewhat controversial but hugely influential philosopher, jurist, and social reformer. Upon his death, he commissioned 26 mourning rings to be made. Our upcoming Fine Jewellery auction will feature one of these rings, dedicated to Dr Neil Arnott. This ring has been with the Arnott family since it was made, making this the first time that it has been open to the public to view and to bid. The hunt to collect these 26 rings has been ongoing for several years, we are delighted to have uncovered another! Life and Work Jeremy Bentham lived from 1748 to 1832 and is best known for his development of utilitarianism, a consequentialist ethical theory that judges actions by their outcomes in terms of pleasure and pain. Bentham’s early life was marked by precocious intellectual talent, evident in his enrollment at Oxford University at the age of just 12. He later pursued legal studies and was called to the bar, but his true passion lay in philosophy and social reform. In addition to his renowned philosophy of utilitarianism, he played a key role in founding University College London (UCL). Bentham’s vision for UCL emphasized practical, secular education accessible to all, regardless of social or religious background. He championed critical thinking and the application of knowledge to societal issues. Though he didn’t live to see its founding, Bentham’s influence shaped UCL’s ethos as a pioneering institution committed to intellectual freedom and social progress. Utilitarianism and Beliefs Utilitarianism, Bentham’s most significant contribution, posits that the morally right action is the one that maximises overall happiness or pleasure and minimises suffering or pain for the greatest number of people. However, Bentham’s work extended beyond philosophy. He was notable in fields such as economics, politics, and law. He advocated for legal and penal reform, arguing for the reduction of unnecessary suffering in prisons and the justice system. His ideas influenced many subsequent thinkers, including John Stuart Mill, who refined and popularized utilitarianism in the 19th century. Bentham was a staunch advocate for individual freedoms and civil liberties, arguing for the protection of rights such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to participate in democratic governance. He believed that a just society was one in which individuals were free to pursue their interests as long as they did not infringe upon the rights of others. He was also one of the earliest people to speak out in favour of women’s rights, animal rights, and the decriminalisation of homosexuality. Jeremy Bentham: Death and Auto-Icon Bentham seemed to have a preoccupation with his mortality and eventual death. He wrote his first will and testament when he was just 21. Consistent with his utilitarianism beliefs, Bentham had a pragmatic approach to end-of-life. He passed away on June 6, 1832, at the age of 84. Upon his death, Bentham left specific instructions for the preservation of his body through a process called auto-iconisation. Following his wishes, his body was dissected, embalmed, and dressed in his usual attire. His preserved skeleton was then encased within a wooden frame, topped with a wax head sculpted to resemble him. This auto-icon, as Bentham termed it, was intended to serve as a visual reminder of his ideas and principles. Bentham’s auto-icon was initially kept in a wooden cabinet, but it now resides in a specially designed glass case at UCL. Visitors can view the auto-icon and contemplate the legacy of one of history’s most influential philosophers. Originally, Bentham had requested that his mummified head sit atop his body. Unfortunately, the preservation process was unsuccessfully resulting in a rather scary sight. It was therefore decided by University administration, to keep his head in their archives – although they sometimes bring it out for special exhibitions! The Mourning Rings Among his slightly odd requests for his death, he also commissioned 26 mourning rings. They featured his silhouette and a lock of his hair. These rings have now been scattered around the world, with people hunting to find them! The 26 recipients of these rings were: Dr Neil Arnott Sarah Austin Henry Bickersteth Felix Bodin John Bowring Samuel Cartwright Edwin Chadwick Mary Louise de Chesnel Richard Doane Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilber du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette Albany Fonblanque James Harfield John Stuart Mill General William Miller Joseph Parkes Francis Place Jean-Baptiste Say Thomas Southwood Smith William Stockwell William Tait Thomas Perronet Thompson John Tyrrell José Cecilio del Valle Jean-Sylvain de Weyer Mary Watson George Wheatley We are delighted that our upcoming Fine Jewellery auction will feature one of these rings, once belonging to Dr Neil Arnott. Jeremy Bentham’s Mourning Ring This ring had been in Dr Neil Arnott’s family since it was first bequeathed to him in Bentham’s will. It came to Fellows by direct descent, meaning that this is the first time that this ring has been publically identified and has been open to the public to view and to bid. We are thrilled to offer to auction another one of these 26 historic rings. Similar rings have portraits of Bentham attributed to John Field. Gold mourning ring, for Jeremy Bentham Estimate: £2,000 – £3,000 Fine Jewellery | Thursday 21st March 2024 Viewing times (ID required): London Tuesday 12th March 12:00-19:00 Wednesday 13th March 10:00-16:00 Birmingham Tuesday 19th March 10:00-16:00 Wednesday 20th March 10:00-16:00 Thursday 21st March 8:30-10:00 Virtual viewings are available by request. Virtual viewings are the ultimate personal shopping experience. Using Zoom, you can ask us whatever you need to know in order to buy with confidence. Find out more here. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details. Cordelia Porter | Research Coordinator
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Dr Neil Arnott

Posted on February 9, 2024 by Fellows
We often see mourning rings in our jewellery auctions. Normally, the story we try to uncover is about who the ring commemorates. This is especially true in the case of our Jeremy Bentham mourning ring. However, the story of Jeremy Bentham’s ring goes far deeper than this. Bentham had 26 rings made during his lifetime to commemorate, perhaps prematurely, his death. His will stipulated that these 26 rings would be given to 26 of his closest friends and family. Now, almost 200 years later, these rings are scattered throughout the world, and the hunt to collect them is well and truly underway. In our upcoming Fine Jewellery auction, we are excited to offer to auction one of these rings, dedicated to Dr Neil Arnott. Dr Neil Arnott Arnott’s relationship with Bentham is somewhat unclear. They ran in very similar circles and shared a close mutual friend – Sir Edwin Chadwick (another ‘ring-owner’), so it is presumed that Arnott and Bentham were also close friends. Arnott, despite coming from a family of master bakers, was a renowned doctor and inventor. He studied at the University of Aberdeen before going to London to learn under Sir Everard Home. By the age of 18, he was appointed a full surgeon. He travelled to China with the East India Company where he worked as a surgeon, before he settled in London where he practised from 1811 – 1854. Throughout his life he gained a national reputation, he gave lectures and published several works, was one of the founders of the University of London, and was made physician to the likes of the French and Spanish embassies, and in 1837, the Queen. Despite being mostly forgotten for his work as a doctor today, Arnott definitely left his own mark on society. Whilst you would not be blamed for not recognising his name, I highly doubt you would not be familiar with his most famous invention: the waterbed. Yes! This cultural icon of the 70s dates back to 19th-century medicine. Arnott originally created it to prevent bedsores in those who were bedbound. This design later led him to invent a similar water-filled chair which aimed to prevent seasickness! Arnott clearly made an impression on Bentham in order to receive one of these coveted rings. Around the band of the ring, you can read the engraving: Memento for Dr Neil Arnott. Jeremy Bentham’s Mourning Ring Dr Neil Arnott’s ring has been in the Arnott family since it was first bequeathed to him in Bentham’s will. As the hunt for these rings has been ongoing for many years now, we are excited that we are able to offer this ring, for the first time, to auction. It came to Fellows by descent, meaning that this ring has never been available for the public to view or to bid. It is undeniably exciting to have discovered another one of these 26 rings, the puzzle pieces seem to be fitting together! Gold mourning ring, for Jeremy Bentham Estimate: £2,000 – £3,000 Fine Jewellery | Thursday 21st March 2024 Viewing times (ID required): London Tuesday 12th March 12:00-19:00 Wednesday 13th March 10:00-16:00 Birmingham Tuesday 19th March 10:00-16:00 Wednesday 20th March 10:00-16:00 Thursday 21st March 8:30-10:00 Virtual viewings are available by request. Virtual viewings are the ultimate personal shopping experience. Using Zoom, you can ask us whatever you need to know in order to buy with confidence. Find out more here. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details. Cordelia Porter | Research Coordinator
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Diana Walpole’s Mourning Ring

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Fellows
The name Robert Walpole should sound familiar to you. Born in 1676, Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford is often regarded as the de facto first Prime Minister of Great Britain. He held many positions in the government, including but not limited to; Leader of the Home of Commons, First Lord of the Treasury, and Chancellor of the Exchequer. His political career was extensive. To this day, he remains the longest-serving Prime Minister at 21 years in office although, he always denied the title. While Walpole’s political career is undeniably fascinating, it is not our focus today. Instead, we will look at his family, in particular – his niece. In our upcoming auction, we are delighted to share with you lot 349: Diana Walpole’s mourning ring. The Walpole Family Due to the amount of ‘Roberts’ in the Walpole family, it can be tricky to visualise Diana’s relation to the first Prime Minister. To help visualise, below is a brief family tree. As you can see, Diana Walpole, neé Grosset, was married to Robert Walpole, nephew of Robert Walpole. Together they had a son; Robert Walpole. Through marriage, she became Robert Walpole’s (1st Earl of Orford) niece. Diana was the daughter of Walter Grosset, the Lisbon-based merchant. It is believed that it was Lisbon where she spent her early years and first met her husband. Robert Walpole, following in his father’s and his uncle’s footsteps, held a position in the House of Commons as a clerk in the Privy Council. After, he served as secretary of the British embassy in Paris. However, he is best known as the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Portugal. He was based in Lisbon between 1771 to 1800. Here, is where we presume he first met Diana Grosset. Their son, Robert Walpole, was born in Lisbon, however, he returned to England and became a classical scholar. Hon. Diana Walpole Diana Walpole as Hebe by Thomas Hickey 1781. Credit: Gorry Gallery, Dublin. Diana and her husband married shortly after they met. For Diana, it would have been a considerably beneficial marriage. She came from a relatively humble background, so to marry into the historic and politically affluent Walpole’s would have been socially advantageous. There are several portrait miniatures depicting Diana at different points throughout her life. One portrait, however, is particularly impressive. Recently sold by Gorry Gallery in Dublin, a large oil painting by Thomas Hickey shows Diana in the guise of the ancient goddess Hebe. As Diana was known for being especially beautiful, being cast as a goddess seems fitting. Thomas Hickey was a particularly prolific Irish artist who had arrived in Lisbon not long after Robert Walpole. His portrait of Diana was completed just one year after her marriage to Walpole. Such an extravagant portrait completed by such a well-known artist is no small feat, it is a testament to the depth of the relationship shared by Robert and Diana. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Hebe became an especially popular subject. Many female sitters opted to be portrayed as her. This was probably due to her associations with youth and beauty. In a previous auction here at Fellows, an 18th-century intaglio by William Brown, also showing Hebe, sold for a whopping £12,870 (including fees). Lot 701 A Late Georgian gold carnelian intaglio of Hebe feeding Zeus as an eagle, by William Brown. Price Realised: £12,870.00 Diana Walpole’s Mourning Ring Mourning jewellery, particularly rings, was very popular during the Georgian period. At Fellows, we regularly see mourning rings in our auctions and it is very exciting when we are able to trace the lineage of the people remembered. Inscribed with the name of the deceased, rings such as these are a charming way of persevering connection and memory. Unfortunately, only four years into her marriage, Diana passed away. In her memory Robert had this ring made, and in the reverse, a lock of her hair has been woven and preserved. It is a touching token of the love that she so clearly inspired. Lot 349 A Georgian gold black and white enamel mourning swivel ring, with braided hairwork locket, for the Honourable Diana Walpole. Estimate: £1,200 – £1,800 Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can therefore find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available Cordelia Porter | Research Coordinator
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Mourning Rings: The Packe Family

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Fellows
Lots 200, 201, and 202, are wonderful examples of mourning rings. Worn in memory of someone who has died, this type of ring dates to the 14th century but continued in popularity – particularly into the Georgian era. Inscribed with the name of the deceased, rings such as these are a charming way of persevering connection and memory, and in some cases, they become interesting illustrations of social history. Lot 201 and 202 are of interest as they are dedicated to Charles James Packe (1726-1816) and his daughter Mrs Charlotte Hanbury (1762-1815). Charlotte and her father were the fifth generation of the Packe family to inherit Prestwold Hall, an impressive estate in Leicestershire. The estate has been in the ownership of the Packe family since 1650 and continues to be to this day. In the 1760s Packe began an impressive building project in the house as he rebuilt the hall and then created the park around it, both of which you can visit today. Lot 201 is inscribed with his name, and Lot 200 is dedicated to his second wife Cath Packe. These rings were made in their memory and were passed on to their children. Lot 202 is dedicated to Charlotte Hanbury. Although not much is known about her life aside from her impressive heritage, there a few items that hint at her character. As seen, The British Museum possesses a portrait of her and the Royal Collection Trust holds a selection of artwork she produced. Undoubtedly inspired by the large park and its ‘wild garden’ that her father built on the grounds of Prestwold Hall, she favoured botanical subjects and is now best known for the paintings of flowers and plants that she left behind. The images are vibrant and delicate, a testament to her skill. About the Packe Family… Not only did Charles, Cath and Charlotte boast an interesting family history, but the relatives that came after them were equally as impressive. Charlotte was the great aunt of another Charles Packe (1826-1896), an explorer who travelled around the Pyrenees and the Alps. He also published a book entitled A Guide to the Pyrenees, and discovered several plants that were native to the land. Mourning rings such as our lots preserve local and family history. While the people behind the names may become shadowy figures, leaving buildings and paintings, their names continue to be passed down in items such as these rings. Mourning Rings at Auction… Lot 200 Jewellery | Day One – 14/03/23 A Georgian 22ct gold black enamel mourning ring, for Catherine Packe. Estimate:  £260  –  £360 Price Realised £624.00 Lot 201 Jewellery | Day One – 14/03/23 A Georgian 22ct gold black and white enamel mourning ring, for Charles James Packe. Estimate:  £200  –  £300 Price Realised £741.00 Lot 202 Jewellery | Day One – 14/03/23 A Georgian 22ct gold black enamel mourning ring, for Mrs Charlotte Hanbury. Estimate:  £200  –  £300 Price Realised £585.00 Auction Details Jewellery | Day One – Tuesday 14th March 2023 Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up for our emails. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available and preview the hottest lots from our auctions. You can also set up lot alerts, to tell us exactly what you are looking for. Our personal shopping service will make sure that you are the first to hear about it. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Cordelia Porter | BA (Hons), MRes
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The Mourning Ring of Henry Somerset, 5th Duke of Beaufort

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Fellows
A black-enamelled band ring for the Duke of Beaufort which we sold in February 2023, is a fine example of Georgian mourning rings. These rings continued to inspire jewellers and jewellery wearers long into the Victorian era. Mourning jewellery was further popularised by Queen Victoria after the untimely death of her husband, Prince Albert. We can see from the neat gold lettering of this ring that it commemorates Henry Somerset (1744-1803), 5th Duke of Beaufort. Survived by his wife, Elizabeth Boscawen (1747-1828) and their 13 adult children, including their three influential sons. They were Henry, Charles and Fitzroy. Henry’s ring may have been worn by any of his many relatives. Henry Duke of Beaufort Ob. 11 Oct 1803. AE59 Henry Duke of Beaufort Ob. 11 Oct 1803. AE59 Henry Somerset, 5th Duke of Beaufort Henry was only 12 years old when he succeeded his father as the 5th Duke of Beaufort, 7th Marquess of Worcester and 13th Baron Herbert. His list of titles only grew throughout his life, which we know ended, according to this ring. He died on 11th October 1803, when he was 59 years old. His highest accolade was, arguably, becoming Knight of the Order of the Garter. This is the highest order of chivalry in the UK. Though he gained many influential positions, Henry was born into an already important family. The Somersets descended from Edward III and the Plantagenets. They were the ruling family that held the English throne from 1154 to 1485. The Dukes of Beaufort Since 1612, the Somersets have lived in and looked after the vast Badminton estate in Gloucestershire. The house has given its name to the game of badminton. Some people say that the game was invented at the house. This is from people playing their own version of the games battledore and shuttlecock. It could have even been the 5th Duke’s sons and daughters. The dimensions of the house’s entrance hall match those of the modern badminton court at 13.4 by 6.1 metres. A paragraph about life in a country house in a Victorian journal from 1863 detailed the rules of this game. It noted that a string should be suspended across the room at five feet high to separate the players. This is an aspect of the game that set badminton apart from both battledore and shuttlecock. A century later… A century later, the estate became known for another sport: horse riding. The 5th Duke was Master of the Horse to the Queen Consort from 1768 to 1770. His love of horses passed down through the family. In 1949, the 10th Duke of Beaufort decided to host an annual riding event through the estate, with a specific focus on training riders for international events. The 11th Duke was an accomplished rider himself, placing second in the Badminton trials in 1959. Today, Badminton Horse Trials are an important point in the equestrian events calendar. Henry, 5th Duke of Beaufort’s mourning ring encapsulates a small part of this highly influential family’s history. As a large family, the ring could have passed down from one of his many children – it may have even been worn during one of the first games of badminton! Sold for a total price realised of £1,040 including fees. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can therefore find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available
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