WOODTURNERS LOVE GOBLET

Many people will be familiar with the Welsh Love Spoon which has been around for many years as a token of love, but what is not widely known is that woodturners also have a love token, namely the "Love Goblet"

The origins of the woodturners Love Goblets are lost in the mists of time, but it is believed to have originated in the 16 th century not long before the Worshipful Company of Turners was first incorporated in 1604.

Young woodturners made these goblets for the maidens of their choice as a token of their undying love and devotion. Unlike the love spoons, which are usually quite elaborate and come in a huge Varity of styles and sizes, the love goblet is quite plain. However, they do come in a variety of sizes, but conform to a similar pattern, as shown in the main display of the Love Goblets.

The most common Love Goblet is a stemmed goblet about 6" tall and about 3" in diameter and around the stem is, one, two or three captive rings. These rings represent the engagement ring the wedding ring and the eternity ring. The number of rings indicates the depth of the young turner's feelings for the maiden. If she were the one great love of his life, then there would be three captive rings. If she was just a passing fancy or he had not quite made up his mind, then there would be only one or two rings.

The legend has it that as long as the goblet kept its shape and remained in pristine condition, then the love of the young woodturner for his maiden would also remain true.