PRESS RELEASE

25 May 2016

Dazzling Indian objects from the Royal Collection to go on display in a new touring exhibition

Splendours of the Subcontinent: A Prince's Tour of India 1875–76

Cartwright Hall, 11 March – 18 June 2017 New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester 8 July – 29 October 2017

Some of the finest Indian treasures from the Royal Collection will go on display in a new Royal Collection Trust exhibition that tells the story of the grand tour of the Subcontinent made by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) at the end of the 19th century. Splendours of the Subcontinent: A Prince's Tour of India 1875–76 has been developed in collaboration with , Bradford, and New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester.

In October 1875, the Prince of Wales set off on a four-month tour, visiting over 21 localities, which today encompass India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal. Travelling nearly 7,600 miles by land and 2,300 miles by sea, he met over 90 rulers of the different regions he visited. Preceding the declaration of his mother, Queen Victoria, as the Empress of India, his visit sought to establish personal links with the local rulers and strengthen ties between the subcontinent and the British Crown.

The exhibition tells the story of the tour through watercolours, photographs and 74 exquisite works of art that were presented to the Prince as part of the traditional exchange of gifts. Many of these items were precious heirlooms from the rulers' toshakhanas, or personal treasuries, while others were specially commissioned from local artisans.

The Prince recognised the cultural value and artistic merit of the gifts he had received. On his return to Britain, he made arrangements for the items to be placed on public display, first at the South Kensington Museum (now the Victoria and Albert Museum), and later in Paris and at museums across the UK, including in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, York and Nottingham. The newspapers of the time encouraged the Victorian public to see these extraordinary works of art, which were commended for their design and craftsmanship.

Highlights of the exhibition include:

 An exquisite gold enamelled and diamond-set ink stand in the form of a State Barge, presented during the Prince's visit to the holy Hindu of Benares (modern day Varanasi). The Prince had sailed four miles down the River Ganges on a similar vessel to meet Ishwari Prasad Narayan Singh, the Maharaja of Benares at the Palace of Ramnagar.

Press Office, Royal Collection Trust, York House, St James’s Palace, London SW1A 1BQ T. +44 (0)20 7839 1377, [email protected], www.royalcollection.org.uk

 A Service of State, or durbar set, presented to the Prince during his visit to the city of Mysore (modern day Mysuru) in the southern state of Karnataka. Made of gold and engraved with floral decoration, it comprises plates, trays, spice boxes, an attardan (perfume holder) and a pandan (betel-nut holder) – objects associated with welcoming guests to an Indian court.

 A spectacular enamelled gold plate and attardan, from the city of Jaipur in the northern state of Rajasthan. The plate, which is decorated with bands of floral and foliate patterns, and images of animals and palaces, was at its time of creation the largest ever produced in Jaipur enamel and reportedly took four years to make. Adorned with hanging pearls, the intricately decorated attardan opens like a lotus flower to reveal the perfume cup and cover.

 A pair of morchals (flywhisks), presented by Ram Singh II, Maharaja of Jaipur. They are constructed of peacock feathers, inlaid with diamonds and set with layered bands of gold tinsel. Morchals were an integral part of the spectacle of a durbar (Indian court) during which court attendants fanned the ruler.

 A set of small brass military figures, presented to the Prince during his visit to Madras in South India. All individually sculpted, the figures reflect the different nationalities of soldiers, such as the African mercenaries and European infantryman, who served in the regional armies of South India. They were reportedly created for Timma Razu, the 18th-century Raja of Peddapuram, on the advice of his astrologer, so he could review his troops daily without bloodshed.

 A beautifully ornamented dagger, presented by Jashwant Singh, Maharaja of Bharatpur, with an enamelled and bejewelled handle and a scabbard with a blade filled with loose seed pearls.

 A dazzling sirpech (turban ornament) made of three large emeralds and bordered by bands of bright red enamel and diamonds. The sirpech came from the treasury of Sajjan Singh, Maharaja of Udaipur.

Jonathan Marsden, Director, Royal Collection Trust, said, ‘We are delighted to work with Cartwright Hall and New Walk Museum & Art Gallery to exhibit these very important items from the Royal Collection and celebrate the common heritage of the UK and the Subcontinent. We hope that people from Bradford, Leicester and around the UK will visit the exhibition to enjoy these magnificent objects, as so many did when they were first shown in this country in the 19th century.’

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Geoff Reid, said, ‘I am thrilled that Cartwright Hall is working with Royal Collection Trust to launch this prestigious exhibition. I’m sure many people from across our district and beyond will visit Cartwright Hall to see the exquisite objects that will be on display. Anyone with an interest in the history of India, the royal family, art, metal craft or who just likes to see beautiful things will, I’m sure, enjoy this exhibition.’

Leicester Councillor Piara Singh Clair MBE, Assistant City Mayor, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said, ‘I am delighted that this important exhibition will be coming to Leicester next summer to have pride of place in our flagship New Walk Museum & Art Gallery. Not only are the objects to be shown beautiful and fascinating, but they have an important story to

Press Office, Royal Collection Trust, York House, St James’s Palace, London SW1A 1BQ T. +44 (0)20 7839 1377, [email protected], www.royalcollection.org.uk

tell about Britain and its longstanding relationship with the Subcontinent. I am sure that people from both our diverse city and further afield will find much to inspire and reflect upon.’ Ends

Splendours of the Subcontinent: A Prince's Tour of India 1875–76 will be shown at Cartwright Hall, Bradford, 11 March – 18 June 2017, at New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester, 8 July – 29 October 2017, and at The Queen's Galleries in Edinburgh and London in 2018.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalogue.

A selection of images is available from www.picselect.com or to download from https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1hgqptizn2dqhxn/AADLl_DmdIZrklpSoEY5Gw0da? dl=0

Press Office contacts: Cartwright Hall, Bradford: [email protected], +44 (0)1274 433526

New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, Leicester: [email protected], +44 (0)116 454 4150

Royal Collection Trust: [email protected], +44 (0)20 7839 1377

Notes to Editors

Royal Collection Trust, a department of the Royal Household, is responsible for the care of the Royal Collection and manages the public opening of the official residences of The Queen. Income generated from admissions and from associated commercial activities contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational programmes. Royal Collection Trust’s work is undertaken without public funding of any kind.

The Royal Collection is among the largest and most important art collections in the world, and one of the last great European royal collections to remain intact. It comprises almost all aspects of the fine and decorative arts, and is spread among some 13 royal residences and former residences across the UK, most of which are regularly open to the public. The Royal Collection is held in trust by the Sovereign for her successors and the nation, and is not owned by The Queen as a private individual.

Explore the Royal Collection at www.royalcollection.org.uk

Cartwright Hall The Bradford district is home to some of the most exciting museums and galleries in Yorkshire. From the Baroque splendour of Cartwright Hall Art Gallery to Bolling Hall with parts dating back to medieval times, there is always something new to do or see, and admission is free. Specialist museums like Bradford Industrial Museum and in bring the district's history and heritage to life through ever-changing displays. The Learning Team run regular workshops and special events with schools and other groups, and will be delighted to help you make the most of your visit.

Press Office, Royal Collection Trust, York House, St James’s Palace, London SW1A 1BQ T. +44 (0)20 7839 1377, [email protected], www.royalcollection.org.uk

For further information about Bradford Museums and Galleries visit: http://www.bradfordmuseums.org/

New Walk Museum & Art Gallery New Walk Museum & Art Gallery originated in 1849 when the Literary and Philosophical Society formally presented to the town its various collections, which have grown and developed over the last 160 years into one of the premier museums and art galleries in the East Midlands. It has been the inspiration for many people including one of the world's most influential art dealers Anthony d'Offay and Lord Attenborough and Sir David Attenborough, who pursued their love of art and natural history as a result of spending their formative years as regular visitors to the museum.

New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester's original museum has wide ranging collections and displays spanning the natural and cultural world.

Free admission, for more details on our exhibition and events programme see our website: www.visitleicester.info/museums

Press Office, Royal Collection Trust, York House, St James’s Palace, London SW1A 1BQ T. +44 (0)20 7839 1377, [email protected], www.royalcollection.org.uk