{"product_id":"silver-ceremonial-mace-head-and-illuminated-address-to-robert-nicholas-fowler-lord-mayor-of-london","title":"Silver Ceremonial Mace Head and Illuminated Address to Robert Nicholas Fowler, Lord Mayor of London","description":"Walter and John Barnard\u003cbr\u003e Hallmarked London, 1884\u003cbr\u003e Silver; illuminated manuscript on paper \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Few objects embody the pageantry, authority and ancient traditions of London as powerfully as this extraordinary silver ceremonial mace head. Created by the celebrated London silversmiths Walter and John Barnard, it was presented with an elaborately illuminated address to Robert Nicholas Fowler following his first term as Lord Mayor of London. Cast as a portrait of Fowler himself, the silver figure depicts the statesman in full mayoral robes and chain of office. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The ceremonial mace descended from the formidable weapons once carried by medieval serjeants-at-arms, evolving into magnificent emblems of lawful authority. The mace still accompanies the presiding officers into both chambers of Parliament, and neither the House of Commons nor the House of Lords may formally conduct business without it. In civic tradition, the mace precedes the mayor during processions and council proceedings. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This impressive Victorian silver figure weighs approximately 1,350 grams and is set upon its handsome wooden staff. The accompanying illuminated document explains the occasion for the grand gift. It records a meeting held at St. Michael’s Church on December 22, 1884, by the residents and officials of Cornhill, one of the City of London’s important districts. At the meeting, they formally honored Robert Nicholas Fowler for his service to the city. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Executed in brilliant blues, greens, reds and gold, the address is itself a tour de force of Victorian illumination. Fowler’s arms and the City of London’s motto, \u003cem\u003eDomine dirige nos\u003c\/em\u003e, crown the composition, while Gothic script, scrolling foliage and miniature architectural views illustrate both the history of Cornhill and the splendor of medieval manuscripts. Its central resolution praises Fowler’s “continued interest … in all matters affecting the welfare of the City,” as well as his work in Parliament and municipal government. Most significantly, the electors commend him for presiding over “one of the most successful Mayoralties on record.” The document is signed by Ward Clerk Percy Saxton. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fowler built a career in banking before entering civic life. London elected him Sheriff and later chose him as Lord Mayor in 1883. His conduct in office won widespread admiration, and London elected him again in 1885—the last time any Lord Mayor served two terms for more than 130 years. Queen Victoria created him a baronet that same year, a hereditary title carrying the style \"Sir\" that formally recognized his political and civic service. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 37 1\/4\" high x 4 3\/4\" wide x 4\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45556801110151,"sku":"32-2963","price":28500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2963_1.png?v=1787088025","url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/products\/silver-ceremonial-mace-head-and-illuminated-address-to-robert-nicholas-fowler-lord-mayor-of-london","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}