THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF SAINT PETER IN EXETER

THE BITTON CHALICE

The Bitton Chalice

Bishop Bitton, a considerable benefactor of Exeter Cathedral, died in 1307 and was buried in the presbytery. In 1764 his grave was discovered during repair work and Dean Milles and Prebendary Foulkes decided to open the lead coffin. Inside they found a sapphire ring, the remains of a wooden crosier and a silver patten and chalice, the latter thin and decayed by age. Despite this the chalice and the patten still survive and are currently kept in the Cathedral Library in the Bishop's Palace.

Spencers of Honiton are expert in the reproduction of such small artefacts. Taking up the challenge of Bishop Bitton's chalice in sterling silver, the result is a remarkably faithful copy which is practical and useful in its own right as a chalice but has such provenance, it is rendered a highly desirable collector's item.

When executing a commission such as the copying of Bishop Bitton's Chalice more problems arise than when starting from a new design. Due to corrosion and damage incurred over the years, photographs of the original had to be linked with 19th century drawings to arrive at the nearest possible facsimile. Various processes were then used to transform the two-dimensional into the finished piece; chasing, spinning, soldering, filing and finally polishing - a fusion of craftsmanship at the highest level using techniques a thousand years old.

The finished chalice weighs 240 grams and stands 105 mm high. The larger version weighs approximately 425 grams and stands 155 mm high. Patens are available in the two sizes and the design can also be produced as a ciborium. Each piece will be individually numbered.

10% of the purchase price is donated directly to Exeter Cathedral Funds.

Prices as of November 1998:

Terms of payment:

Payment by Cash or on personal cheques (drawn on a UK bank account in Sterling), or Eurocheques made payable to Spencers. We also accept VISA, MASTERCARD and SWITCH.

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