60th Wedding Anniversary of James Couper and Mary Nicole of Glasgow

Bronze, 57mm x 47mm

This medal was struck in 1876 to commemorate the 60th wedding anniversary of James Couper and Mary Nicole of Glasgow. The obverse bears superb full-length portraits of James and Mary, standing facing, magnificently dressed in Victorian clothing. The reverse with inscription MARRIED 21ST OCT 1816 and IN THEIR HONOUR ON THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR WEDDING DAY. The edge of the medal is engraved TO ALISON MARY COUPER (their granddaughter, and daughter of William Couper their son).

This medal relates to the Couper family of Glasgow. Alison Mary (Tia) Couper was born on 7th May 1867 in Glasgow, and would therefore have been just 9 years old when presented with this medal in October 1876. Alison Mary became a Justice of the Peace for the City of Liverpool and died in London 7th July 1958. She was the daughter of William Couper, also of Glasgow, whose occupation was given as "African Merchant". William was the son of James Couper and Mary Nicole whose 60th wedding is the subject of this medal. It appears that James Couper is the same James Couper who founded the Couper and Sons Glassworks of Glasgow. About 1850, James Couper built two glasshouses facing Bell’s Pottery in Glasgow, trading under the name of James Couper & Sons. Under the management of William Haden Richardson, who came from Stourbridge, colored glassware, in the Venetian style was made. This was very like the Stourbridge glass but was much heavier in weight. Amber, royal blue and ruby were favourite colours. Dr. Dresser, one of the artists employed here made the “Clutha” glass with its many lustrous tints, sapphire, amethyst and aventurine (brown amber) being specially admired. Stained glass called “St Mungo” was also a feature of this House. This medal would have been especially commissioned for this occasion for presentation to immediate members of the family - and therefore very few examples would have been made.