Visitors to the City of London Corporation’s Guildhall Art Gallery will be taken on a fascinating journey through history this autumn, as they marvel at a display of over 200 items – from centuries-old robes to contemporary jewellery – in its new exhibition.
The Treasures of Gold and Silver Wire exhibition, which is running until 12 November 2023 showcases an astonishing collection of royal regalia, theatrical costumes, military attire, ecclesiastical artefacts, and beautiful modern jewellery, silversmithing, and embroidery. It forms the finest collection of gold and silver wire objects to ever be brought together in an exhibition.
Highlights of the exhibition include garments worn by Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II – the 16th century Bacton Altar Cloth, believed to be the only surviving dress worn by the monarch, and a glove worn by her late Majesty at her Coronation in 1953.
Curated by Dr. Karen Watts, Curator Emeritus at the Royal Armouries, this exhibition celebrates the 400th anniversary of the Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers, and will be opened by the livery company’s Patron, HRH The Duchess of Gloucester. Treasures of Gold and Silver Wire is an integral part of the City’s arts and cultural offering and forms part of the City of London Corporation’s Destination City programme, which sets out a vision for the Square Mile to become a world-leading leisure destination for UK and international visitors, workers, and residents to enjoy.
The City Corporation is the fourth largest funder of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £130m every year. The organisation manages a range of world-class cultural and heritage institutions, including the Barbican Centre, Tower Bridge, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Guildhall Art Gallery, London Metropolitan Archives, and Keats House. It also supports the London Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of London.
Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage, and Libraries Committee, Munsur Ali said, “With such a visually engaging range of exhibits on display, this new exhibition promises to provide a feast for the senses. I am sure that the show will prove very popular, in particular, with costume designers, fashion and military historians, theatre fans, and lovers of jewellery, who will find it very hard to resist the invitation to see this remarkable collection. We are proud to host the exhibition as part of our Destination City programme.”
Master Gold and Silver Wyre Drawer, Catherine Carr said, “This superb exhibition will showcase the beautiful application of gold and silver wire over the centuries and will appeal to all ages, offering an opportunity to view examples of gold and silver wiredrawing of a calibre unmatched anywhere. Visitors to the gallery will be able to put the exhibits in their proper social, cultural, and historic contexts, discover the stories connected to them, and marvel at the creativity, attention to detail, patience, and technology that went into their design.”
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