Library & 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.
Signature of Robert Armin
Signature of Robert Armin in the Goldsmiths’ Company’s Apprentice Book, 1581
After his apprenticeship with the Goldsmiths’ Company, Armin became a leading Elizabethan comedy actor who was part of William Shakespeare’s troupe, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. One of his most famous roles was as Touchstone, the character in As You Like It – the name Touchstone is taken from the touchstone used in the assaying process.
Signature of Robert Armin in the Goldsmiths’ Company’s Apprentice Book, 1581
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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.
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.