Pot of the Month for September is another two handled Loving Cup. Measuring 12cm/4¾” high, this one is the last in a set of three Derby Commemorative Loving Cups. All rare, the first commemorates the opening of Derby’s first Public Bowling Green in 1915, the second the opening of London Road Recreation Ground Lake in 1923, and the third and rarest of the three commemorates the First Water Carnival and Gymkana (sic) in 1924.
The eight-and-a-half-acre lake provided jobs for 400 previously unemployed men, who dug it all out by hand. The jewel in the crown of the Recreation Ground, the lake’s official opening day attracted vast crowds, who enjoyed rowing on the newly opened lake, and taking part in the bowling and tennis competitions.
It is thought that a (small) number of this particular commemorative piece were commissioned to give as competition prizes at the Water Carnival, which took place a year after the lake’s official opening. The lake still exists and is still well used, being very popular with anglers.
