Highlights from the Archives
The Company’s archives date back to the 14th century, and the Library's collections include over 8,000 books and over 15,000 images, magazines, journals, films and special research collections.
About & Visit
The Goldsmiths’ Company’s Library and Archive cares for a unique collection relating to the jewellery and silversmithing industries. It is open to all who are researching the past, the present, or creating the future of our trade.
Important update on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Our library and archive is currently open for in-person visits Tuesday to Thursday, by prior appointment. To make an appointment, discuss your research, or if you have any general questions about hallmarking, silver, jewellery or the history of the Company, please email the.library@thegoldsmiths.co.uk
About the Library and Archive
Housed on the first floor of Goldsmiths’ Hall in London, the Library was established in the 1950s as part of the Company’s mission to promote jewellery and silversmithing. Today we host hundreds of visitors a year who range from jewellers and goldsmiths to academics and genealogists. Below you’ll find information about how to visit and contact us.
Our library collections include over 8,000 books and more than 15,000 images. Other resources include journals, films and special research collections such as the Twining Collection on regalia and royal jewellery.
Approximately one quarter of the Library holdings are searchable on our catalogue.
The Library is also responsible for the Company’s archives, which date back to the 14th century. The archives include the corporate records of the Goldsmiths’ Company and acquired collections related to the goldsmithing and silversmithing industry in the UK. View some highlights from the archives here, including a letter from Thomas Cromwell to the Goldsmiths’ Company, dated 1535.
You can find out more about our archive holdings here.
Opening Times
The Library is open between 10 am and 4.30 pm, Tuesday to Thursday, apart from August when it is closed for archival and stock maintenance.
Contact us
If you would like to visit the Library, please make an appointment by telephone on 020 7606 7010, email us at the.library@thegoldsmiths.co.uk.
To help you get the most out of your visit, staff can discuss your research with you in advance and provide relevant material when you arrive. We also have a reading guide for first time visitors to the Library, to help you begin your research.
For general Library & Archive enquiries, please email the.library@thegoldsmiths.co.uk
Discover More
Collections
Internationally recognised, the Goldsmiths’ Company has one of the finest collections of silver made in Britain, numbering some 8,000 examples from 1350 to the present day.
History of the Company
The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, more commonly known as the Goldsmiths' Company, is one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London and received its first royal charter in 1327.