Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
the best qualities of the old guilds, rooted in traditional crafting skills, sound
technical knowledge, and pride. In 1863 the Society commissioned the Royal
Academy artist A.J. Waudby to design a membership certificate (Bellamy, 1986)
(Fig. 124). Study of this most attractive certificate allows one to see how the
members wished to see their craft displayed and how an emphasis was placed
on gauged work. It portrayed scenes of a 'cutter' at work in the cutting-shed
and a bricklayer setting an arch.
Figure 124
The Operative
Society of Bricklayers
membership certificate
by A.J. Waudby, 1863.
(Reproduced by
kind permission of
Coalbrookdale Library,
The Ironbridge Gorge
Museum Trust)
