188. Consorts’ Luncheon at Stationers’ Hall, 17 May 2024

Melissa Mash, Consort to the Master Stationer, kindly invited fellow Consorts to a luncheon at the Stationers’ Hall.  We were joined by the Lady Mayoress.

As it was a glorious spring day, we began with drinks in the courtyard garden, a haven away from the bustle of Ludgate Hill.

Then we entered the great hall, and Company Archivist Dr Ruth Frendo spoke briefly about the history of the Company and the building. 

The Company was founded in 1403; the current hall dates from the late 17th Century and is on the footprint of an older building which was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. 

The magnificent Victorian window is a fictitious representation of William Caxton showing his printing press to King Edward IV.  The young man at the bottom of the picture is Wynkyn de Worde, a printer and publisher who worked with Caxton, and who established the printing press in Fleet Street.  He is recognised as the first to popularise the products of the printing press in England.  Sadly this window has been the target for vandals and now has a protective film on the outside.

Other windows in the hall portray Shakespeare, Caxton, St Cecelia, Tyndale and Cranmer. 

The Bible is also represented in the panelling of the hall.  Printing a Bible required permission from the King.  The King James Bible has shaped the English language.

Many of the Company treasures were moved to Wales for safe-keeping during World War II.

A delicious lunch was served in the Court Room.  We were each given a bookmark from our hostess, in Company blue and gold.  How appropriate.

Ruth had brought some artefacts from the archives which we perused after lunch.

Three of the Wing-walkers for the Glovers in July

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