Gift to G. Groen van Prinsterer on the occasion of his 70th birthday by head and assistant teachers of Christian private schools

Silver cup with lid presented to Groen van Prinsterer on his 70th birthday, 21 August 1871 by 283 headmasters and teachers at Christian private schools. J.M. van Kempen en Zoon, Voorschoten, 1869. The inscription reads: 'A Tribute of Appreciation and Friendship after half a century of dedication to the cherished interests of Holland, Orange, Church and School, presented to the Christian Statesman Mr. G. Groen van Prinsterer (...).' Groen van Prinsterer was a campaigner for Christian education. Originally he argued that the government should guarantee each Christian church its own schools. When this became politically unrealistic he campaigned for the establishment of private Christian schools in addition to state schools.