Guilds Collection

Royal College Surgeons
The Royal College of Surgeons, in Lincolns Inn Fields, London, one of Britains leading medical institutions, chartered in 1800 but with origins in medieval guilds

Medieval stone masons
Bas relief showing medieval stone masons at work circa 1408. Starting from the left the first mason is building a wall, the second holds a drill whilst working on a column

Map of London
Map, made by Pieter Vanden Keere, showing the extent of London in 1593. Around the edge of the map are the crests of twelve of the Merchant Guilds

The Shoemakers Arbour, Shrewsbury, 1860. Creator: Unknown
The Shoemakers Arbour, Shrewsbury, 1860. Engraving from a photograph by J. Groom. In Leighton's "Guide, Descriptive and Historical, through the Town of Shrewsbury

Italian artisans - male costume of 14th century
3780405 Italian artisans - male costume of 14th century; (add.info.: Italian artisans - male costume of 14th century. Shows two artisans talking to a notary)

Savonnerie Carpet Workshop, Aubusson tapestry manufacture, France, c. 1900 (b / w photo)
1730075 Savonnerie Carpet Workshop, Aubusson tapestry manufacture, France, c. 1900 (b/w photo) by French Photographer (20th century); (add.info.: Aubusson tapestry manufacture, France, c)

Wool and Silk Dyeing, Aubusson Tapestry Factory, France, c. 1900 (b / w photo)
1730069 Wool and Silk Dyeing, Aubusson Tapestry Factory, France, c. 1900 (b/w photo) by French Photographer (20th century); (add.info.: Aubusson tapestry manufacture, France, c)

Queen Marie de Medici Disembarking in Antwerp, 1632 (oil on panel)
3937468 Queen Marie de Medici Disembarking in Antwerp, 1632 (oil on panel) by Vroom, Matheus (fl.1620-32); 64x95 cm; National Museum, Stockholm

The Ceramics and Glass Pavilion, Paris World Fair, 1937 (b / w photo)
1730189 The Ceramics and Glass Pavilion, Paris World Fair, 1937 (b/w photo) by French Photographer (20th century); (add.info.: World Fair, Paris, 1937 : the pavilion of ceramic and glass)

Wool and Silk Dyeing Workshop, Aubusson tapestry manufacture, France, c. 1900 (b / w photo)
1730081 Wool and Silk Dyeing Workshop, Aubusson tapestry manufacture, France, c. 1900 (b/w photo) by French Photographer (20th century); (add.info.: Aubusson tapestry manufacture, France, c)

Cermaicisits, Noron-la-Poterie, Calvados, Normandy, c. 1900 (b / w photo)
1730080 Cermaicisits, Noron-la-Poterie, Calvados, Normandy, c.1900 (b/w photo) by French Photographer (20th century); (add.info.: Noron-la-Poterie, Calvados, Normandy, c; 1900 : potters)

Aubusson Tapestry Factory, France, c. 1900 (b / w photo)
1730068 Aubusson Tapestry Factory, France, c. 1900 (b/w photo) by French Photographer (20th century); (add.info.: Aubusson tapestry manufacture, France, c. 1900 : low-warp tapestry weaving)

Thread Workshop, Aubusson Tapestry Factory, France, c. 1900 (b / w photo)
1730074 Thread Workshop, Aubusson Tapestry Factory, France, c. 1900 (b/w photo) by French Photographer (20th century); (add.info.: Aubusson tapestry manufacture, France, c. 1900 : workshop of thread)

Fine Art and General Insurance, 1896 (lithography)
397476 Fine Art and General Insurance, 1896 (lithography) by Berchmans, Emile (1867-1947); JMK Archiv, Bremen, Germany; (add.info.: The Fine Art and General Inssurance Company Limited)

Barbarian art: cross set with precious stones, 6th century
LRI4646375 Barbarian art: cross set with precious stones, 6th century by Byzantine School, (6th century); Basilica di San Pietro, Rome

Portrait of King Charles I by Thomas Rawlins (metal)
3520169 Portrait of King Charles I by Thomas Rawlins (metal) by Rawlins, Thomas (c.1620-70); (add.info.: Portrait of King Charles I, King of England, King of Scotland and King of Ireland)

Sprinkler (Saupoudreuse). Silversmithing. 18th century
6263637 Sprinkler (Saupoudreuse). Silversmithing. 18th century. by Belgian school (18th century); (add.info.: Hopital Notre Dame a la Rose, Lessines, Hainaut, Belgium); © Paul Maeyaert

Patch shoemaker and apprentice, 1836 (engraving)
7243127 Patch shoemaker and apprentice, 1836 (engraving) by Daumier, Honore (1808-79); 12.9x17.5 cm; (add.info.: From A. Lewalds Europa: Chronicle of the Educated World I)

Maling pottery plate, Pattern No. 5978, 1934 (earthenware)
7145565 Maling pottery plate, Pattern No. 5978, 1934 (earthenware) by C.T. Maling & Sons, Ltd. (19th-20th century); diameter: 28.5 cm; Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

17th century Dutch shoemaker in a small shop, 1803 (engraving)
7233061 17th century Dutch shoemaker in a small shop, 1803 (engraving) by Deuchar, David (1743-1808); Private Collection; (add.info)

Costume of a French joiner, 16th century. 1867 (engraving)
7234912 Costume of a French joiner, 16th century. 1867 (engraving) by Lechevallier-Chevignard, Edmond (1825-1902); Private Collection; (add.info.: Costume of a French joiner in his workshop)

At the pottery (b / w photo)
7181857 At the pottery (b/w photo) by Wendt, Lionel (1900-40); Private Collection; (add.info.: At the pottery. Illustration for Ceylon by Lionel Wendt (Lincolns-Prager, London)

Kandyan craftsman at work (b / w photo)
7181844 Kandyan craftsman at work (b/w photo) by Wendt, Lionel (1900-40); Private Collection; (add.info.: Kandyan craftsman at work)

Altar, Catherine ND of Bayeux, 1771
7134855 Altar, Catherine ND of Bayeux, 1771 by Caffieri, Philippe (1714-1774); Bayeux, Normandy, France; (add.info.: Cathedral of Our Lady of Bayeux 18th Bronze Altar by Philippe Caffiery Lainee 1771)

Altar, Catherine ND of Bayeux, 1771
7134860 Altar, Catherine ND of Bayeux, 1771 by Caffieri, Philippe (1714-1774); Bayeux, Normandy, France; (add.info.: Cathedral of Our Lady of Bayeux 18th Bronze Altar by Philippe Caffiery Lainee 1771)

Altar, Cathedral ND of Bayeux, 1771
7135032 Altar, Cathedral ND of Bayeux, 1771 by Caffieri, Philippe (1714-1774); Bayeux, Normandy, France; (add.info.: Cathedral of Our Lady of Bayeux 18th Bronze Altar by Philippe Caffiery Lainee 1771)

Making Tappa (native cloth), 1890s (sepia photo)
STC170329 Making Tappa (native cloth), 1890s (sepia photo) by Severin, Theodore (1862-98); Private Collection; (add.info.: probably Tahiti or Marquesas Islands; ); The Stapleton Collection

Cream jug, 1929 (earthenware)
7145543 Cream jug, 1929 (earthenware) by C.T. Maling & Sons, Ltd. (19th-20th century); height: 10.5 cm; Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Tea Caddy, 1924 (earthenware)
7145562 Tea Caddy, 1924 (earthenware) by C.T. Maling & Sons, Ltd. (19th-20th century); 19x11.5 cm; Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Portrait of Lady Lucy Byng 1st Countess of Bradford, c. 1790 (oil on ivory)
7240958 Portrait of Lady Lucy Byng 1st Countess of Bradford, c.1790 (oil on ivory) by French School, (18th century); 8x6 cm; The Weston Park Foundation, Shropshire

Roofers working on a building, 18th century. 1778 (engraving)
7233204 Roofers working on a building, 18th century. 1778 (engraving) by Benard, Robert (fl.1734); Private Collection; (add.info.: Roofers working on a building, laying slate tiles on a roof)

Workers trimming tiles in a roof-tile works, 18th century. 1778 (engraving)
7233208 Workers trimming tiles in a roof-tile works, 18th century. 1778 (engraving) by Benard, Robert (fl.1734); Private Collection; (add.info)

Roof-tile works, 18th century. 1778 (engraving)
7233207 Roof-tile works, 18th century. 1778 (engraving) by Benard, Robert (fl.1734); Private Collection; (add.info.: Tile works, 18th century)

Tilers working on a building floor, 18th century. 1778 (engraving)
7233205 Tilers working on a building floor, 18th century. 1778 (engraving) by Benard, Robert (fl.1734); Private Collection; (add.info.: Tilers working on a building floor, 18th century)

Masons working on a building, 18th century. 1778 (engraving)
7233203 Masons working on a building, 18th century. 1778 (engraving) by Benard, Robert (fl.1734); Private Collection; (add.info.: Masons working on a building, using trowels, chisels, hods)

Quarrymen plasterers and their tools, 18th century. 1778 (engraving)
7233206 Quarrymen plasterers and their tools, 18th century. 1778 (engraving) by Benard, Robert (fl.1734); Private Collection; (add.info.: Quarrymen plasterers and their tools, 18th century)

Alpheus and Arethusa (litho)
7149509 Alpheus and Arethusa (litho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Alpheus and Arethusa, ancient Greek vase)

Painting on an ancient Greek lekythos (litho)
7149506 Painting on an ancient Greek lekythos (litho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Painting on an ancient Greek lekythos (oil jug)

Hypnos and Thanatos carrying the body of Sarpedon (litho)
7149505 Hypnos and Thanatos carrying the body of Sarpedon (litho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Hypnos and Thanatos carrying the body of Sarpedon)

Ancient Greek amphora from Apulia, Italy (colour litho)
7149483 Ancient Greek amphora from Apulia, Italy (colour litho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ancient Greek amphora from Apulia, Italy)

Ancient Greek athletes running (litho)
7149496 Ancient Greek athletes running (litho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ancient Greek athletes running, painting from a Panathenaic amphora)

Bent Ironwork (colour litho)
7158159 Bent Ironwork (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Bent Ironwork. Illustration for Cassells Cyclopaedia of Mechanics edited by Paul N Hasluck)

Garden Fitments (colour litho)
7158151 Garden Fitments (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Garden Fitments)

Wrought Ironwork (colour litho)
7158150 Wrought Ironwork (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Wrought Ironwork)

Turnery and Lathework (colour litho)
7158148 Turnery and Lathework (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Turnery and Lathework)

The Basket-Maker (engraving)
7163992 The Basket-Maker (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Basket-Maker. Illustration for The Book of Trades, or Circle of Useful Arts (10th edn)

Eastern Potters, from Messrs Doulton and Cos Pavilion (engraving)
7161650 Eastern Potters, from Messrs Doulton and Cos Pavilion (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Eastern Potters, from Messrs Doulton and Cos Pavilion)

Standing Bowl and Cover of Silver-gilt presented by William Camden, Clarencieux King at Arms
7179116 Standing Bowl and Cover of Silver-gilt presented by William Camden, Clarencieux King at Arms, to the Worshipful Company of Paper Stainers (coloured engraving) by English School

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Guilds have played a significant role throughout history, shaping various industries and preserving traditional craftsmanship. From the Royal College of Surgeons to medieval stone masons, these associations have left an indelible mark on society. As we explore a map of London, we uncover the rich tapestry woven by guilds. In ancient times, Achilles' ruthless act of killing Troilus was immortalized in litho prints. Meanwhile, Italian artisans donned exquisite male costumes from the 14th century as they honed their skills. The Savonnerie Carpet Workshop and Aubusson tapestry manufacture in France captured timeless beauty through black and white photographs from around 1900. Witnessing Queen Marie de Medici disembarking in Antwerp in 1632 transports us back to a time when guilds thrived under royal patronage. Their influence extended beyond borders as demonstrated by the Ceramics and Glass Pavilion at the Paris World Fair in 1937. The artistry involved in wool and silk dyeing is showcased through captivating images taken at Aubusson Tapestry Factory during its heyday. Ceramicists from Noron-la-Poterie, Calvados exemplify how guilds fostered creativity across regions. As we delve into these black-and-white snapshots capturing moments within workshops or factories, it becomes evident that they were not merely organizations but communities bound together by shared passion for their craft. These images remind us of their dedication to excellence and commitment to passing down knowledge through generations. Guilds may belong to different eras and locations; however, they all share one common thread – an unwavering devotion towards preserving traditions while embracing innovation. Through collaboration and mutual support within these guilds, masterpieces were created that continue to inspire awe even today. So let us celebrate the legacy - guardians of heritage who shaped our world with their skilled hands and creative minds.