Tray, Serving

Production date
Circa 1953?
Description
An ornate silver serving tray with a handle at either end. The edges of the tray are decorated with a grapevine design and the base of the tray is engraved with ornate scrollwork. "TO/CHARLES & SILVIA ACHESON/IN APPRECIATION OF A VERY HAPPY OCCASION/THE VISIT OF QUEEN ELIZABETH 2nd & THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH/TO THE CRITERION HOTEL/NEW PLYMOUTH, 8-9th JAN '54./FROM/Mr & Mrs H.J. KELLIHER" is engraved on one side of the tray. "MORNING TEA WAS SERVED ON THIS TRAY TO/QUEEN ELIZABETH II/CRITERION HOTEL. NEW PLYMOUTH./9th JANUARY 1954." is engraved on the base of the tray. "MADE IN ENGLAND/7652" is also engraved on the bottom of the tray which also has four short legs. "H" is also engraved on the bottom of the tray.
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Object detail

Production date
Circa 1953?
Production place
Credit line
When the Queen called in at New Plymouth’s Criterion Hotel it was not enough just to bring out the best crockery. Such an occasion demanded silver service.This ornate, English made tray was used to serve morning tea to Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh during their brief visit. It was presented to Silvia and Charles Acheson, managers of the high-profile Devon Street hotel, by Mr and Mrs Kelliher. Henry Kelliher, the managing director of the aptly named Dominion Breweries, had taken a keen interest in the Royal visit as the company owned the hotel. While copies of the specially printed breakfast, lunch and dinner menus from the visit are held at Puke Ariki it is not known what was eaten for morning tea.
Accession number
PA2007.091
Collection type
Material

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