Five Cups Wooden Painted Panel Trophy

A dark wooden shield-shaped plaque titled "Fives Cup" with gold-painted lettering and a small Lincoln crest at the top centre featuring a red cross and gold painted fleur-de-lis. The plaque lists pairs of winners by year from 1926 to 1933. The left column (1926–1929) includes names like P.V. Greaves, E. Hooton, and J. Harrod; the right column (1930–1933) includes names such as A. Hooton, J.A.C. Houlton, and G. Saunders.

Object Identification

  • Object name: Five Cups wooden painted panel trophy
  • Date: 1926
  • Origin: Lincoln
  • Owner: Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School
  • Dimensions: H 48.5 cm x W 60 cm x D 0.5 cm
  • Materials: The main panel is made of plywood, with a solid wood framing. Gold paint on the frame and lettering. Oil paints were used for the background and Lincoln crest. Slotted iron screws and metal mirror plate.
A student conservator in a white lab coat works on a wooden “Fives Cup” plaque, using tools under bright task lighting. The plaque lists names and dates from 1926 to 1933 in gold lettering.
Amy inpainting the areas of loss on the panel.

Object Summary

This panel, shaped like a shield, names winners of ‘Fives Cup’ games from 1926 to 1933. The black background features the title ‘Fives Cup’ in large gold lettering, with the Lincoln crest in between. Names and dates were hand-painted in gold, presumably included sequentially each year by different individuals, as evidenced by stylistic differences and variations in gold paint. The resident archivist at Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School has a particular connection with this panel, as his father’s name is featured on it. ‘Fives’ is a ball game played against a wall, initially popular in rural areas and later adopted by public schools in the late 19th century, however it never fully took off and has now got lost in time. 

A dark wooden shield-shaped plaque titled "Fives Cup" with gold-painted lettering and a small Lincoln crest at the top centre featuring a red cross and gold painted fleur-de-lis. The plaque lists pairs of winners by year from 1926 to 1933. The left column (1926–1929) includes names like P.V. Greaves, E. Hooton, and J. Harrod; the right column (1930–1933) includes names such as A. Hooton, J.A.C. Houlton, and G. Saunders.
Before treatment
A dark wooden shield-shaped plaque titled "Fives Cup" with gold-painted lettering and a small Lincoln crest at the top centre featuring a red cross and gold painted fleur-de-lis. The plaque lists pairs of winners by year from 1926 to 1933. The left column (1926–1929) includes names like P.V. Greaves, E. Hooton, and J. Harrod; the right column (1930–1933) includes names such as A. Hooton, J.A.C. Houlton, and G. Saunders.
After treatment

This object was conserved by Amy D’Alwis. Find out more about her by clicking on the profile below!

Black and white portrait of a woman smiling

Amy D’Alwis