Due to popular demand, the Treasures of Gold and Silver Wire exhibition at the City of London Corporation’s Guildhall Art Gallery has been extended until 31 December 2023.

Visitors have until the end of the year to take a fascinating journey through history, where they can marvel at a dazzling display of over 200 items, from centuries-old robes to contemporary jewellery.

The hugely successful exhibition showcases a wide range 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 16^th 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.

Other stand-out features include:

·       Remarkable pieces of menswear, including the court suit of Charles Dickens and robe and crown worn by David Tennant as Richard II in the RSC’s production

·       An array of rare English Tudor embroidery, with a hearse cloth from 1515; Queen Mary's Coronation Dress adorned with gold and silver silk thread from 1911; and the Silver Jubilee Cope presented to the Bishop of London in 1977 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's reign

·       The crown and gold robe worn by Dame Helen Mirren when she played Cleopatra for the RSC

·       Television costume worn by Matt Smith (as HRH Prince Philip) in the Netflix series, ‘The Crown’

·       Gold-braided dress uniforms for the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force

·       The coat of a State Trumpeter from the Household Cavalry

·       Beautiful modern creations of jewellery and embroidery using gold and silver wire

Curated by Dr. Karen Watts, Curator Emeritus at the Royal Armouries, this exhibition celebrates the 400^th anniversary of the Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers.

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 of London 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:

“It is such good news to hear that even more people will now be able to visit and enjoy ‘Treasures of Gold and Silver Wire’ at our beautiful art gallery.

“This exhibition has proven very popular, in particular, with costume designers, fashion and military historians, theatre fans, and lovers of jewellery, who have found it hard to resist the invitation to see this remarkable collection. Since its launch, nearly 5,000 people have come through the art gallery’s doors to see the show and the gallery’s other attractions.”

“We are very proud to continue to host the exhibition as part of our flagship Destination City programme, which sets out a vision for the Square Mile to become a world-leading leisure destination for UK and global visitors, workers, and residents to enjoy.”

Master Gold and Silver Wyre Drawer, Catherine Carr, said:

“We have all been overjoyed by the overwhelming positive response that we’ve had from those who have visited the exhibition, both, young and old from across the world. It has exceeded our expectations and justified the five years’ hard work that it has taken to plan and execute.

“It shows what the Livery movement can do when it pulls together in collaboration with the City of London Corporation and if you haven’t seen the exhibition yet, we can guarantee you a warm welcome and an unforgettable show.”

Treasures of Gold and Silver Wire runs at Guildhall Art Gallery from 29 September to 31 December. Find out more from https://gswd.co.uk/400th-anniversary/  and purchase tickets from https://guildhall-art-gallery.myshopify.com/products/treasures-of-gold-and-silver-wire

ENDS

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk   

About Guildhall Art Gallery:

The historic Guildhall Art Gallery originally opened in 1886 and is home to City of London’s magnificent art collection. Particularly rich in Victorian art and ranging from Pre-Raphaelites to depictions London’s colourful past, the Gallery’s basement houses the remains of London’s Roman Amphitheatre, dating from AD70. The Gallery also owns one of the largest oil paintings in Britain, John Singleton Copley’s Defeat of the Floating Batteries at Gibraltar (1783 – 1791), which is on permanent display.

About the Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers:

The Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers is a charity that maintains the traditions and customs of the City of London, and supports the Lord Mayor and the City of London Corporation in promoting the status and image of the City. It works to support the ancient wire trade and provides awards for outstanding workmanship in the modern usage of gold and silver wire and thread, and seeks to encourage young people working with gold and silver wire to connect with the Company.