a - Height 16.0 cm x Width 16.5 cm
b - Height 12.5 cm x Dia. 7.0 cm
c - Dia. 26.0 cm x Height 1.2 cm
a - A silver pitcher that is stamped with a floral and animal motif on the body with the engraving "PRESENTED // TO // John Wilmot // BY THE // Agriculture & Arts Association // KINGSTON // 1888".
b - A silver goblet that is stamped with the same floral and animal motif as the pitcher.
c - A plain silver salver that has no ornamental design on it.
These silver pieces are reminders of the former Crystal Palace exhibition building on York Street. Long home of the Kingston agricultural society, the Crystal Palace hosted its annual fair showcasing agricultural produce and equipment and the work of local manufacturers and artists.
Midland Central Fair Association superintendent John Wilmot received these silver pieces from the Agriculture and Arts Association in recognition of the successful relocation of the fair from its original site on penitentiary land near Bath and Palace roads.
The first Kingston Crystal Palace (1856-1888, Henry Horsey, architect) was inspired by the Crystal Palace in London, UK (1851), known for its extensive use of glass to create a light and airy appearance. The Kingston building was the earliest of crystal palaces constructed in Canada. In 1888, the Crystal Palace was dismantled and rebuilt in a new form (1888-1946, William Newlands, architect) on York Street, the current site of the Memorial Centre.
