DOI: 10.1148/rg.241035110
(Radiographics. 2004;24:311-312.)
© RSNA, 2004
Scenes from the Past
Presentation Silver: Loving Cup of the Canadian Association of Radiologists1
Douglas W. MacEwan, BSc, MDCM, FRCPC,
Adrian M. K. Thomas, BSc, FRCR, FRCP and
Brian C. Lentle, MB, BCh, MD, DMRD, FRCPC
1 From the Department of Radiology, Health Sciences Centre, GA216–820 Sherbrook St, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1R9, Canada (D.W.M.); Department of Nuclear Medicine, Princess Royal University Hospital, Kent, England (A.M.K.T.); Emeritus Professor, University of British Columbia, Saanichton, BC, Canada (B.C.L.). Received April 15, 2003; revision requested April 28 and received July 25; accepted July 30. Address correspondence to D.W.M. (e-mail: lsavoie@hsc.mb.ca).
Index Terms: Radiology and radiologists, history
In 1958, the Council of the Faculty of Radiologists (now The Royal College of Radiologists) in Britain decided that it should acquire a collection of silver for display at its more formal occasions. Because there were a number of outstanding young designers and craftsmen in silver work in Britain at this time, the Faculty further decided to become a patron of modern art rather than a purchaser of antique silver. In sequence, the Faculty acquired commemorative pieces: a rose water dish to record an annual lecture, two cups to record past presidents and wardens, and four candlesticks given by individual radiologists. Because of their close ties, the Faculty presented the College of Radiologists of Australasia with a rose bowl in 1960. Britain and Canada were allies in World War II, with a deep sense of shared commitment. When the Tenth International Congress of Radiology was held in Montreal in 1962, the President of the Faculty, Professor Rohan Williams, presented a silver loving cup to the Canadian Association of Radiologists that was accepted by Dr Guillaume Gill.
The Canadians were so delighted by this spontaneous gift that they christened it "The Loving Cup." Some 12 inches high in silver, the cup has three handles alternating with small studs about the center stem, these being decorated with maple leaf, rose, and fleur-de-lis devices. The cup is engraved with the Faculty’s coat of arms, and the base is engraved with the following inscription: "Presented to the Canadian Association of Radiologists by the Faculty of Radiologists, 1962." Asunburst in silver gilt forms the finial. The plinth is of rosewood.
The Loving Cup was designed by Alex G. Styles, who studied at Gravesend and the London Central School of Arts and Crafts. His designs have covered a wide range of domestic and ceremonial silver and regalia, including a mace for the American College of Physicians. According to The Times of London on April 11, 1966, "many think he is the finest designer of hand-made silver in England." The silver for his design was made by Gerrard, the Crown Jewellers.
The Loving Cup has become a focal point of delightful tradition. Since 1963, at the annual dinner and dance, following the speeches and formal activities, the evening ends with the past president and the new president drinking fine cognac from the Loving Cup. It is then passed to all those at the function, renewing the dedication of the members and guests to all that is progressive in radiology. Most Canadian diagnostic radiologists and radiation oncologists have drunk several times from the cup.
The Canadian Association of Radiologists ventured onto the international stage by hosting the Tenth International Congress of Radiology in Montreal in 1962. The Canadian Association of Radiologists will host the Congress in June 2004, again in Montreal. It is useful to recall the origins of this commemorative silver, since it will receive pride of place in June 2004.
