IN RECOGNITION AND WITH GRATEFUL THANKS
An exhibition of Medals, Livery Badges and Civic Awards

Medals And Livery Badges Of The City Of London Guilds
Medals Of Endowed Schools
City And Guild Medals
Property Marks Of The London Guilds
Other City Of London Associations & Guilds
Netherlands - 17th & 18th Century Guild Medals
City Of London Lord Mayor And Sheriffs Jewels
Livery & Ward Clubs
City Of London Miscellany
Civic Badges And Medals Outside The City Of London
A Collection Of Guildhall Reception Badges

Fixed price list Summer 2003 now online

The Simmons Collection
Medals and Awards of the City of London and the Livery Companies

Background and introduction

Medals and badges in the City of London have a long and colourful history. More than half the Livery Companies have issued badges, firstly in silver to identify liverymen, and secondly (often in gold) to honour past masters and others for services rendered.

One day back in 1983 among a lot of Masonic medals, we found a Coach Harness and Coach Makers' gold and enamel jewel, awarded to a Past Master of the Company. It was incomplete but the workmanship was of the highest order. Rather than sell it immediately, it was put aside and gradually pieces made by other City of London Guilds joined it. They came from auctions and fairs, dealers, private sellers, antique shops and junk sales. Some came from as far away as Australia, New Zealand, USA and South Africa. Most were bought singly although a few of the medals come from Pinches archive and the Staunton collection of medals auctioned by Glendinnings more than a decade ago. Until we produced this catalogue the latter was the largest offering of livery badges for sale in recent times.

As naturalised Londoners, our original aim once the collection was in double figures was to find examples of all the medals and badges produced by the City of London Livery Companies. It is evident from this catalogue that this aim was a forlorn hope.

Initially we were not fully aware of the significance of the Livery badge, invented to stop riots and vote-rigging at Common Hall. We therefore accumulated a lot of related material, prize and school medals, civic badges and property marks as well as things connected only loosely with the City of London. A few years ago part of our collection, mainly livery badges, was sold to the Worshipful Company of Cutlers, who now have an unrivalled holding of such medals. We are very grateful to the Master and Wardens for the generous loan of a few of those pieces for the duration of the present exhibition.

We also have works for the London Guilds made recently by Ian Rank-Broadley and Danuta Solowiej. The tradition continues but changes according to the times.

The show lasts until the end of July 2003, and later on the web. The medals in the Simmons collection are available (subject to being unsold) at the prices listed. Please note that most items are unrepeatable. We hope that they will find good new homes and that you can visit the gallery in London.

Best wishes from us both,

Frances and Howard Simmons