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Name: | John gilbert
(john@john-gilbert.co.uk)
| | Date: | 13/05/2010 15:31:13 | | Subject: | EVENING OF DIAMONDS | | |  One ring to rule them all: the Master, Louise Robinson, shows off one of the many items of jewellery admired by the Younger Gardeners at a special event in Hatton Garden.Those attending were stunned when told that the two fabulous diamonds they had just been handling, holding up to the light and admiring were worth £100,000 and £250,000 each.
The shock was delivered by Upper Warden Daniel Caspi who hosted a fascinating "Evening of Diamonds" at Davril Jewels, his showroom in London's famous jewellery district, on the 28th of January. Daniel gave an informative talk on the diamond trade and the history of the area where more than 800 businesses are involved in the making and selling of jewellery.
Hatton Garden is on the site of a once-great estate surrounding Ely Palace, the London residence of the Bishops of Ely, which stood on what is now Ely Place. In the 1570s Queen Elizabeth 1 gave the palace, its garden, vineyard and orchard to one of her court favourites, Sir Christopher Hatton. Gardening connections linger on in the names of adjoining streets such as Saffron Hill, Herbal Hill and Vine Hill. The Bishops' original garden was apparently well-known for its crocuses, producing saffron, and for its strawberries. An annual strawberry fair is still held in Ely Place.
On a more gruesome note, Daniel explained the derivation of the local name Bleeding Heart Yard: a woman's heart, still pumping blood, is supposed to have been discovered there at dawn. Some versions of the story say that it belonged to 17th Century socialite Lady Elizabeth Hatton.
Daniel's guests were then invited to examine and try on a large range of exquisite jewellery items - rings, ear-rings, bracelets, necklaces etc. - assisted by members of his staff.
The highly successful evening concluded with drinks and refreshments at the nearby wine bar, Vivat Bacchus.
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Name: | john Gilbert
(john@john-gilbert.co.uk)
| | Date: | 15/01/2010 16:18:53 | | Subject: | CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE | | |
news blog
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The Company's annual Carol Service was held on the 17th December in St. Stephen Walbrook, the architectural gem built by Sir Christopher Wren in 1672 following the devastation of the Great Fire. A jolly and festive service was conducted by the Rector of the church, the Ven. Peter Delaney, Hon. Chaplain to the Gardeners' Company. He is pictured here leading the service from the huge stone altar carved in 1972 by Henry Moore. Members of the Court are in the background. St Stephen was Wren's own parish church - he lived at 15 Walbrook - and it is acknowledged as a masterpiece of church building. Sir Nikolaus Pevsner described it as one of the ten most important buildings in England. (Photograph: Stephen Bernard) |
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Name: | John Gilbert
(john@john-gilbert.co.uk)
| | Date: | 15/01/2010 16:16:51 | | Subject: | AUTUMN COURT DINNER | | |
news blog
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Liveryman HRH Prince Edward was the guest of honour at the Autumn Court dinner held at the Inner Temple Hall last November. Pictured here with the Master, Mrs Louise Robinson, he spoke to a large number of members and their guests during the course of the evening. (Photograph: Michael Warren). |
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Name: | Louise Robinson
(louise@cobb49.fsworld.co.uk)
| | Date: | 11/01/2010 10:30:55 | | Subject: | HAPPY NEW YEAR! | | | I have enjoyed the first half of my year as Master enormously. It has been wonderful for me to see so many members at Company functions - particularly our Royal Liveryman Prince Edward in November. I hope to see many more at Mansion House next month and I hope the events that are coming up this year will be of interest to you all. | | | Post Reply | | |
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