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 and journals, films and special research collections. Explore the highlights of this magnificent collection.
An illuminated detail from the Company’s second book of ordinances, 1513, showing Evax presenting the lapidary to Emperor Tiberius.
Transcribed in Court Minute book E, the letter is signed: ‘At Wolf Hall the fourth day of September, your loving friend, Thomas Cromwell’.
In 1571, the Goldsmiths' Company was granted the right of a helm, crest and supporters to the arms which it had ‘long tyme borne’.
‘I Rowland Lockey son of Leonard Lockey of this parish of St Bride’s Fleet Street, crossbowmaker, have put myself (ap)prentice to Nicholas Hilliard…’
After his apprenticeship with the Goldsmiths’ Company, Armin became a leading Elizabethan comedy actor.
A Liveryman of the Goldsmiths’ Company, Paul Podolsky’s career in jewellery spans over 70 years, both at the bench and the board.
The Artificers’ Guild Ltd was founded in 1901 by the metalsmith and enameller Nelson Dawson.
The Company’s design competitions for the Ascot trophies began in 1926.
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.
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.
Housed on the first floor of Goldsmiths’ Hall, the Library was established in the 1950s as part of the Company’s mission to promote jewellery and silversmithing. Contact us or arrange a visit.