Chains Of Office Collection

Mayor Making, Fowey, Cornwall. May 1996
After the Mayor Making ceremony the civic dignitaries gather on the town quay. The ceremony takes place in the town hall, adjoining the quay

Portrait of George Nugent-Temple-Grenville, First Marquis of Buckingham (1753-1813
CH142271 Portrait of George Nugent-Temple-Grenville, First Marquis of Buckingham (1753-1813) (oil on canvas) by Jackson, John (1778-1831); 127x101.6 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: MP)

Plaque featuring Cecil Thomas, Sculptor & Medallist, 1946 (bronze in wooden frame)
5845944 Plaque featuring Cecil Thomas, Sculptor & Medallist, 1946 (bronze in wooden frame) by English School, (20th century); The Art Workers Guild Trustees Limited, London

Alderman Sir John Swaish, Lord Mayor, c. 1915 (oil on canvas)
2831175 Alderman Sir John Swaish, Lord Mayor, c.1915 (oil on canvas) by Swaish, Frederick George (1879-1931); 193x132 cm; Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, UK; (add.info.: Sir John Swaish (1852-1931)

The Madagascar Portrait of Thomas Howard and his wife Aletheia Talbot
DON279032 The Madagascar Portrait of Thomas Howard and his wife Aletheia Talbot, 1635 (oil on canvas) by Dyck, Anthony van (1599-1641); 76.2x106.7 cm; His Grace The Duke of Norfolk

Alderman W. R. Barker, 1902 (oil on canvas)
2829477 Alderman W. R. Barker, 1902 (oil on canvas) by Vizard, Worthy (1848-1904); 91.3x70 cm; Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, UK; eBristol Museums

Plate with the coat of arms of the Austro-Hungarian Empire
CHT172479 Plate with the coat of arms of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, from Heraldischer Atlas by the artist, 1899 (colour litho) by Strohl

Portrait of Richard Garbe, 1938 (oil on canvas)
5845888 Portrait of Richard Garbe, 1938 (oil on canvas) by Brown, Henry Harris (1864-1948); The Art Workers Guild Trustees Limited, London, UK; (add.info.: Richard Louis Garbe (1876-1957)

The Ex Senator, caricature of the riches and corruption under Napoleon
CHT163188 The Ex Senator, caricature of the riches and corruption under Napoleon (coloured engraving) by French School, (19th century); Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee Carnavalet, Paris

Mayor Leonard D. V. Wordingham attending the Reach Fair, May 18th 1959 In 1201 King John granted a charter for the holding of a fair in Reach

The Lord Mayor, Harry Livermore accompanied by the Lady Mayoress switches on the Christmas Lights in Church Street 15th December 1958

The mayor of Chester, Councillor Mrs Florence Grogan, lights the Chester bonfire at Upton, accompanied by Chester Rural Council chairman Cllr Browne, and Mr N Rouse

Alderman Neville Bruce Alfred Bosworth seen here on his appointment as Lord Mayor of Birmingham 22nd May 1969

Coventry Festival: On with the clowns... Lord Mayor Winnie Lakin with Mary Baxter (left
Coventry Festival: On with the clowns...Lord Mayor Winnie Lakin with Mary Baxter (left) Jeff Elves, Dave Grove and Pamela Harrison. 2nd August 1986

Councillor Weaver with one of the youngsters from Wisteria Lodge on the merry-go-round. 2nd June 1982

The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Alderman Tom Meffen, helps the carnival queen, Miss Heather Kinnie on to her float to head the Coventry Carnival procession out of Memorial Park. 14th June 1971

The Lord Mayor of Coventry Councillor Jeff White gets in a spin with three year old Andrew Stokes and his mum Sylvia at the Crock Fair at Hearsall Common. May 1987

Lord Mayor of Coventry John Dennis Berry helps the carnival queen on to her float to head the Coventry Carnival procession out of Memorial Park. 15th June 1974

The Lord Mayor Councillor W Sheridan, has his sights set on the top prize on the rifle range after opening the Great Fair, Coventry 29th May 1973

A group at the opening of the Locarno Ballroom. Left to Right Mr A Fairley, joint chairman of Mecca Ltd; the Lord Mayor of Birmingham Alderman Garnet D Boughton; Mr R Hs Crossman

The opening of Owen Owen store by the Lord Mayor Alderman John Fennell JP 1st October 1954

Portrait of Empress Maria Fyodorovna (1759-1828) (oil on panel)
BAL196478 Portrait of Empress Maria Fyodorovna (1759-1828) (oil on panel) by Borovikovsky, Vladimir Lukich (1757-1825); 82x71 cm; Astrakhan State Gallery B.M

King Henry VIII (c1491-1547) illustration from Portraits of Characters Illustrious
XJF145432 King Henry VIII (c1491-1547) illustration from Portraits of Characters Illustrious in British History, (mezzotint) (b/w photo) by English School

William Beckford (1709-70) James Townsend and John Sawbridge (c. 1732-95) Aldermen of London
XJF107811 William Beckford (1709-70) James Townsend and John Sawbridge (c.1732-95) Aldermen of London, engraved by the artist, 1769 (engraving) (b&w photo) by Houston

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"Unveiling the Legacy: Tracing the Rich History of Chains of Office" Step into a world where tradition and prestige intertwine, as we delve into the captivating realm of chains of office. From Mayor Making ceremonies in Fowey, Cornwall, to distinguished portraits and intricate plaques, these symbolic adornments have adorned esteemed figures throughout history. In May 1996, amidst an air brimming with anticipation, Mayor Making took center stage in Fowey. The weighty chains draped around the necks of mayors past and present served as a tangible link to their predecessors—a testament to their commitment to public service. One such portrait that captures our attention is that of George Nugent-Temple-Grenville, First Marquis of Buckingham. Painted with meticulous detail, this nobleman's chain reflects his elevated status within society—an emblematic representation of power and influence during the late 18th century. Moving forward in time but not diminishing in significance, we encounter a plaque featuring Cecil Thomas—Sculptor & Medallist—in 1946. Encased within a wooden frame lies bronze artistry that pays homage to craftsmanship itself—a reminder that even those who create beauty can be immortalized through their own creations. The canvas comes alive once more as Alderman Sir John Swaish graces us with his presence. Lord Mayor during the early 20th century, his oil painting exudes dignity and authority while showcasing an ornate chain—the embodiment of civic duty etched onto every brushstroke. Venturing further back into history brings us face-to-face with "The Madagascar Portrait" depicting Thomas Howard and Aletheia Talbot—an exquisite example from centuries ago when chains symbolized nobility rather than municipal governance. A relic from another era yet still resonating today—these precious links connecting generations across time. Amongst these treasures stands Alderman W. R Barker's portrait from 1902—a testament to the enduring nature of chains of office.