·       Free display at Heritage Gallery of unique documents from The London Archives commemorates 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and London/US links

·       Historic letters from 18^th century and archive items relating to assassination of Presidents Lincoln and Kennedy on rare public display

·       President Eisenhower’s Honorary Freedom and actor Dean Martin’s right foot measurements among unique items featured in ‘America and London’

London’s links with America and the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence are commemorated in a unique display at Guildhall of rare items drawn from the City of London Corporation’s extensive archives.

‘America and London’, which opens on 2 May at the City of London Heritage Gallery in Guildhall Art Gallery, features two letters dated 1775 and sent from the General Committee of Association of the City and County of New York and the Congress in Philadelphia to the City of London Corporation.

Variously addressing taxation, the City’s need to “…restore union, mutual confidence and peace to the whole Empire”, and Congress’ desire to keep trading relations with the City of London on a positive and friendly basis, the letters form the centrepiece of the Gallery’s display.

Other significant and unusual items include:

·       a silk bookmark commemorating the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865

·       an Order of Service for the memorial service at St Paul’s Cathedral on 1 December 1963 for President John F Kennedy, who was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on 22 November 1963

·       the Roll of Fame entry containing the record of admission to the Honorary Freedom of the City of London of President Dwight Eisenhower in 1945, which is signed by the president. The Honorary Freedom was given as a mark of appreciation for his part in the defeat of Nazi forces during the Second World War

·       an outline of the actor Dean Martin’s right foot in a West End-based Peal and Company ‘Feet Book’, used by the company to make a pair of ‘lasts’ (mould for shoes). The entry includes the actor’s address in Beverley Hills

Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage, and Libraries Committee, Brendan Barns, said:

“Situated uniquely in the heart of our beautiful Guildhall Art Gallery, the City of London Heritage Gallery’s displays offer a unique opportunity to view some of the treasures from our extensive and historic archives.

“This new display, commemorating this landmark anniversary and London’s connection with America, features historic, poignant, and unusual items and will prove popular, in particular, with visitors from the United States who are exploring this culturally rich and vibrant area of our great city.”

The City of London Heritage Gallery and Guildhall Art Gallery are an integral part of the City’s rich and vibrant arts and cultural offering, and forms part of Destination City, the City of London Corporation’s growth strategy for the Square Mile as a world-leading business and leisure location.

 The City of London Corporation is one of the largest funders 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, Guildhall Library, The London Archives, and Keats House. It also supports the London Symphony Orchestra and London Museum, which is due to open later this year.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

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