Collections Online
Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales
Advanced Search
Crystal Palace Challenge Trophy
Silver-gilt trophy of a Victorian-Gothic design.
In 1872 and 1873 it was offered by the Crystal Palace, London, as a challenge trophy for an international choral competition. On both occasions this was won by the South Wales Choral Union under the conductorship of ‘Caradog’ (Griffith Rhys Jones of Aberdare, Glamorgan), but the competition was then discontinued. Just over 100 years ago ‘The Caradog Cup’ played a crucial role in producing the image of Wales as ‘The Land of Song’.
This magnificent trophy marks the start of Wales’s reputation for choral singing. It was the first prize in a choral competition held at the Crystal Palace, London, in 1872 and 1873. Côr Mawr, a huge choir of 460 voices from industrial south Wales, won it both times. The choir’s conductor, Caradog, became a hero. The cup is known in Wales as Caradog’s Cup. Between 1900 and 1938 it was awarded as a prize at the National Brass Bands Festival.
Collection Area
Item Number
Acquisition
Measurements
Techniques
Material
Location
Collections Online is updated regularly, but please confirm that an object remains on display before making a special visit.
Comments - (4)
Hi Melvyn Harrison,
Thank you for getting in touch with us. I have passed your enquiry to my colleagues within the enterprise team, they will hopefully be able to advise further on this.
Many thanks,
Nia
(Digital team)
Does the museum publish a book on the Crystal Palace Challenge Trophy (Item no.F74.232) or produce any postcards, etc.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks
Melvyn Harrison
Chairman
Crystal Palace Foundation (Registered Charity)
www.crystalpalacefoundation.org.uk
Thank you very much for contacting us. The trophy is on permanent display in the 'Wales Is...' display in St Fagans National Museum of History, so you will be able to see it if you decide to visit in September.
Best wishes,
Marc
Digital Team