A public appeal is hoping to find the owner of the document outlining the original commission for the Lord Mayor's coach (above). Picture © Museum of London
The Museum of London has launched a public appeal to find the owner of the paper ordering the design of the decadent 18th century carriage which stars in the annual Lord Mayor's Show on the city streets.
A descendent of a long line of 18th and 19th century Tottenham coachmakers, named as Mr Glover, is the last known holder of the Lord Mayor's Coach article of agreement, according to notes held with a copy of the 1958 paper at the London Metropolitan Archive. Officials from the Museum believe their likely suspect may have moved to Farnham in Buckinghamshire since then.
The Coach will be the star exhibit at the City Gallery. Picture © Museum of London
Fashion and Decorative Arts Curator Beatrice Behlen said it would be "wonderful" to establish that the document is "in safe hands." "Many new documents relating to the Coach have recently come to light, and finding the original order would be the icing on the cake," she added.
Designed by Sir Robert Taylor and commissioned by arrangement between the Alderman of the City of London and Joseph Berry for £860 in 1757, the Coach is the Museum's only exhibit listed for 24-hour display in the £20 million redevelopment planned for Spring 2010, and forms an important symbol in the November procession, crafted with gilt, gold and silk-trimmed seats.
Anyone with information should email bbehlen@museumoflondon.org.uk or call 020 7814 5753.
