If you want a real treat, do try to visit to the Guildhall Art Galley where, until 12th November, you can immerse yourself in a world of exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance at the Treasures of Gold and Silver Wire exhibition. This dazzling display of over 200 items – from centuries-old robes to contemporary jewellery – forms the finest collection of gold and silver wire objects to ever be brought together in an exhibition. The entrance fee is £10 and you can book online for a timed ticket.
The highlight for me was the Bacton Altar Cloth (1590-1610), the only surviving dress worn by Queen Elizabeth the First …
I spent a long time gazing at its exquisite workmanship and trying to spot little details such as the depiction of animals stitched into the fabric (there seem to be quite a few caterpillars) …
The Queen is seen wearing a similar dress in her Rainbow Portrait 1600-1602 …
Here are just a few of the other delights on show. The exhibition signage is excellent and very detailed so I won’t attempt to replicate it here.
Queen Mary’s 1911 coronation dress …
The Queen’s 1977 Silver Jubilee Cope …
Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation Glove and its informative label …
Royal Regalia …
‘The Most Noble Order of the Garter Mantle with Badge, Cordons and Hood’ …
A seventeenth century burse, or bag, for carrying the Great Seal of England …
Crowns of the Master and Wardens of the Girdlers Company (15th and 20th century) …
The arts are represented.
A costume worn by Darcey Bussell in 2004 …
The cloak and crown worn by Helen Mirren as Cleopatra in 1982 …
Charles Dickens’s Court Suit and his dress sword, 1870 …
The Military …
There are unusual and unexpected items too.
The Fishmongers’ Pall 1512-1530 – used for covering the coffin of distinguished Liverymen …
Some detail …
A piece of Oliver Cromwell’s dressing gown …
And finally, the David Shilling Commemorative Hat …
‘Treasures of Gold and Silver Wire’ celebrates the 400 anniversary of the wonderfully named Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers.
It’s definitely one of the most interesting exhibitions I’ve seen in years and my pictures can’t really do it justice (and they only represent a small number of the 200-plus items on display).
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