Ever wondered where London’s goldsmiths have gathered for centuries? This is Goldsmiths’ Hall. It stands proudly at the junction of Foster Lane and Gresham Street. Goldsmiths’ Hall is more than just a building. It is a symbol of London’s rich history. It is also a testament to the enduring legacy of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths.
Since 1339, the Goldsmiths’ Company has been based here. This current hall is actually the third to occupy this very site. Imagine the stories these stones could tell. Little is known about the first hall. However, the second hall rose around 1634 to 1636. Samuel Pepys even watched Sir Thomas Vyner’s funeral from there in 1665. He wore his best silk suit for the occasion. However, the hall was too crowded. Pepys then went to Paternoster Square to order a new suit. The Great Fire of London damaged the hall in 1666. It was restored but eventually demolished in the late 1820s.
Philip Hardwick designed the third and present Goldsmiths’ Hall. It opened in 1835. The Illustrated London News declared it the most magnificent of all the Halls of the City of London. The opening dinner was a grand affair. The Duke of Wellington and Robert Peel were among the guests.
Inside Goldsmiths’ Hall, marble statues depict the Four Seasons. Samuel Nixon sculpted them. They stand on the grand staircase. The Gentleman’s Magazine praised them as works of the highest merit.
The building occupies an entire block. It is only second in size to Plaisterers Hall. Goldsmiths’ Hall narrowly escaped destruction in 1941. A bomb exploded in its southwest corner. Fortunately, the building largely survived. It was carefully restored after the Second World War.
The Goldsmiths’ Company received its first royal charter in 1327. This gave them authority over standards in the trade. It also emphasized their standing over provincial goldsmiths. St. Dunstan is their patron saint. In 1530, they imported a tapestry from Flanders. It depicted the life of St. Dunstan. Sadly, the tapestry disappeared during the Reformation.
The second hall became too small by the early 17th century. Nicholas Stone, the King’s Mason, built a new one between 1634 and 1636. Inigo Jones, the King’s Surveyor, advised him. A licence was needed for rebuilding. The stone was even detained for the King’s use.
Edward Jerman completed the restoration of the Hall after the Great Fire. However, another fire damaged the Assay Office in 1681. When Philip Hardwick designed the new hall, it was opened with a grand banquet in July 1835. Distinguished guests attended including the Duke of Wellington. The rooms were praised for their palatial grandeur.
Today, Goldsmiths’ Hall stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of London’s goldsmiths. It is a place where history is made. It is a place where craftsmanship is celebrated. From time to time, the Master and Wardens provide open days. These allow visitors to experience the hall’s splendor. As you stand before this magnificent building remember the centuries of artistry. Think about the dedication of the goldsmiths who have shaped London’s history.