{"title":"Ben Shillingford and the Dunhill Aquarium Table Lighter","description":"\u003cp\u003eBen Shillingford’s contribution to the world of luxury collectibles through his work on the Dunhill Aquarium Table Lighters is both fascinating and unique. After World War II, Shillingford — a master engraver — joined Dunhill and brought with him an extraordinary skill set that transformed the design and appeal of the table lighter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom 1949, he began carving and painting lucite panels into miniature aquatic scenes. Using dental tools and drills, he created reverse intaglios which were then delicately painted and attached in four sections to the lighter’s body. The result was an object that combined functionality with artistry, elevating the humble lighter into a collectible work of art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrafting the Aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduced between 1949 and 1959, the Dunhill Aquarium Lighters quickly gained a reputation for their originality and charm. No two were alike. Shillingford’s scenes featured tropical fish, historic ships, sporting events, and more — each panel alive with intricate detail. Later, Margaret and Allan Bennett joined him in producing these works, expanding the range of themes and finishes. Lighters were fuelled with petrol, offered in different sizes and metal cases, and each carried its own distinct personality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Medium of Lucite\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucite, the clear acrylic developed during WWII for aircraft canopies, proved the ideal medium. Durable and resistant to yellowing, it provided the perfect canvas for Shillingford’s creativity. His work, often less vibrant but more restrained than the Bennetts’ later designs, remains distinguished by its meticulous craftsmanship and sense of quiet artistry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLegacy and Collectability\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Aquarium Lighters represent more than decorative luxury: they embody a post-war era when design objects were valued for their power to enchant as well as their utility. With Shillingford’s retirement, the production of these pieces ended — his skillset too singular to replace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, Dunhill Aquarium Lighters are highly prized by collectors worldwide. They are sought not only for their beauty and rarity, but also as enduring symbols of an age when craftsmanship and imagination could transform even the most everyday object into a timeless treasure.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"nicholas-nickleby-ascot-1955-winner-dunhill-aquarium-lighter","title":"Nicholas Nickleby Ascot 1955 Winner Dunhill ‘Aquarium’ Lighter","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn exceptional and rare Special Commission Dunhill Sporting Horse Racing Half-Giant ‘Aquarium’ Table Lighter in Gold Plate, the top with raisable arm stamped Dunhill and Reg. No 737418 on the reverse, above the lucite body carved with the thrilling victory Commissioned by the owner of Nicholas Nickleby winner the Royal Hunt Cup, Ascot in June, 1955. The base stamped DUNHILL LIGHTER ‘Made in England’\u003cbr\u003eEngland, circa 1955\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLength: 10 cms (4 ins)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor avid collectors of Dunhill Aquarium Half Giant Lighters, Ascot memorabilia and collectables, this Special Commission Dunhill Sporting Horse Racing Half-Giant ‘Aquarium’ Table Lighter in Gold Plate is a rare and exceptional find. The lucite body of the lighter features a thrilling victory scene commissioned by the owner of Nicholas Nickleby, the winner of the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot in June 1955. The top of the lighter has a raisable arm stamped Dunhill and Reg. No 737418 on the reverse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThe Royal Hunt Cup is a flat handicap horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile (1,609 metres) and is an important event for horse racing enthusiasts and collectors alike. Established in 1843, the Royal Hunt Cup was originally contested on a right-handed course over 7 furlongs and 166 yards. The inaugural running was won by Knight of the Whistle, with a triple dead-heat for second between Bourra Tomacha, Epaulette, and Garry Owen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the years, the race has undergone some changes. In 1930, the race’s distance was shortened to 7 furlongs and 155 yards, and in 1956, it was extended to its present length of 1 mile. Today, the race is run on a straight course and usually features a large field, making it an exciting and highly competitive event.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs one of three perpetual trophies at the five-day Royal Ascot meeting, the Royal Hunt Cup is highly prized by collectors of Ascot memorabilia and collectables. The other two perpetual trophies are the Gold Cup and the Queen’s Vase, which can be kept permanently by the winning owners. This Special Commission Dunhill Sporting Horse Racing Half-Giant ‘Aquarium’ Table Lighter in Gold Plate is a unique and valuable piece of Ascot history that would make a great addition to any collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Royal Hunt Cup is currently held on the second day of the five-day Royal Ascot meeting. It is one of three perpetual trophies at the meeting, along with the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"Ascot Gold Cup\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ascot_Gold_Cup\"\u003eGold Cup\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"Queen's Vase\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Queen's_Vase\"\u003eQueen’s Vase\u003c\/a\u003e, which can be kept permanently by the winning owners.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nwtiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51276534546769,"sku":"23336","price":20000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/Dunhill-Racing-Horse-Special-Commission-Half-Giant-Table-Lighter-_7_1.webp?v=1750156254"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/collections\/1000046728.webp?v=1749930686","url":"https:\/\/nwtiques.com\/collections\/ben-shillingford.oembed","provider":"Nicholas Wells Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}