The Drapers’ Company has long collected silver and silver gilt plate. Such treasures either have been given by members and friends as gifts or have been commissioned by the Company for a specific occasion.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, plate was often melted down because of financial troubles or to meet the exactions of the Crown, but fortunately a few early items have survived. The most treasured item is the silver gilt cup and cover presented by William Lambarde in 1578. Around the rim of the cup is the inscription A proctour of the poore am I, remember theim before thou dye which is taken to sum up the main purpose of the Company today.
Much of the collection, such as the rosewater dishes, candelabra, loving cups and maces serve a function at dinners and ceremonial occasions. The Master’s Jewel was presented in 1882 and is regularly worn.
There are a number of purely decorative items. The Lunula, a Celtic decorative collar of fine gold, dated 2000 - 1500 B.C., was found on the Company’s Irish Estate. On display too is the badge of the Company’s Bargemaster (1671) surrounded by those once worn by the oarsmen who rowed the Company’s barge.
The collection also contains several modern pieces. Most recently, the Company purchased a copy of Anita Lafford’s silver statue of Her Majesty The Queen mounted on Burmese, and in 1995 commissioned three beautifully chased rosewater dishes from Michael Lloyd.
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