thomas Lyte Reveals Inaugural United Cup Trophy
The United Cup, a new hallmarked sterling silver and 24-carat gold-plated trophy made by Sport Industry Group partners Thomas Lyte, was today unveiled at Cottesloe Beach in Perth, Western Australia.
The United Cup is an international hard court tennis tournament featuring mixed-gender teams from 18 countries, kicking off for the first time on Thursday 29th December across Brisbane, Perth and Sydney.
Grand Slam mixed doubles champion and Perth-born Casey Dellacqua, Western Australian Minister for Sport, the Hon. David Templeman MLA, United Cup Tournament Director Stephen Farrow and United Cup Perth General Manager Brett Patten revealed the new silverware, 10 days out from the inaugural event.
Standing at 50cm tall, the hand-crafted United Cup features 36 sweeping rods to represent the 18-country mixed doubles partnerships, each shaped by hand.
Farrow commented, “We wanted something that was instantly iconic, that was very special and unique for the United Cup. And we wanted something that really symbolises bringing together the male and female players”
“The bowl is symbolic of a prize made for sharing and bringing people together because ultimately this event is about bringing together the best male and the best female players to play for their country.”
Thomas Lyte, a Royal Warrant holder as silversmiths and goldsmiths to Her Late Majesty The Queen and former Head of the Commonwealth, has added the United Cup to its roster of sports trophies. Its work also includes the Laver Cup, and trophies for the ATP Finals, the FA Cup, the Rugby World Cup and the Six Nations Championship.
The design of The United Cup was led by Thomas Lyte’s Head Silverware Designer, Trevor Brown, in its silver workshops in London, with over 400 craft-hours required to complete the project.
Thomas Lyte’s Director and former English cricketer Neil MacLaurin, commented, “Our craftspeople, and designers are so proud of this piece. It is one of our favourite commissions.
“Due to the interplay of the gold and silver, and the complex reflections from every angle, we believe that as well as having the potential to become a revered, iconic sporting trophy, the United Cup is truly a work of art.”
The United Cup’s hallmark additionally carries the Platinum Jubilee Commemorative Mark. This is a special commemorative mark, only available to commissions hallmarked in London in 2022, designed to celebrate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
