Goldbeater Apprentice Records (COMPLETED) see last entry

[Plummiegirl]

Can anyone advise. 
My g/g/grandfather was a Goldbeater.  I contacted the Goldsmiths in the City of London & they told me they could not check their records to see if he had done an aprrenticeship.  Funny about 2 years later they could do it for Patsy Kensit!!!

Does anyone know how I can find his records if the Goldsmiths Guild will not help?

I do know that at one point in his career, when the railings & gates at Buckingham Palace were being re-furbished he worked on them.

[behindthefrogs]

Unfortunately the Goldsmiths Company still holds most of its records and has not deposited them at Guildhall Library like most of the City Livery Companies.

Will they let you view the apprentice records if you visit Goldsmiths' Hall?

David

[Plummiegirl]

Must admit that when I contacted them several years ago, they were not all that helpful, in fact I found the person I was talking to quite discouraging.

I think I will try again, if I can view their records in person then that would be great, as I have his dob & dod, so that would give a timeline to check.  He must have been quite active as his son-in-law was a metal dealer, I mght even find something on him too, you never know.  If they are not too helpful again I will mention that all I want is the same type of info that they were able to give Patsy Kensit, which did not look too difficult.  All their records are in year order etc. so I cannot see how hard it can be!

Will call them again some time next week when my voice is back to normal, very croaky at present & too much talking makes me cough, much to other halfs delight I am not talking much at present, boy is he in for it when I feel better

[wjrobin64]

There is a book called goldsmiths and there marks it is very helpfull

[Redroger]

Plummie Girl, I believe the goldsmiths require you to make an appointment and to pay a charge to view their records.

[wjrobin64]

Not correct their Is a book as I have stated

Goldsmith marks of London and Ireland

 look it up at your local library

you may have to borrow it from the inter library loan program

 Or call your local art musuem, they may have a copy of it.

[wjrobin64]

what was his full name


try looking under the city directories under goldsmiths

bill

[Redroger]

There would seem to be something of a difference between a book of goldsmiths' marks and the historical records of the guild unless the book was published by the goldsmiths.

[Plummiegirl]

I think that you are confusing Goldsmiths with Goldbeaters.

A Goldsmith would in all probability "lodged" his mark with the Goldsmiths company

But a Goldbeater was not considered skilled enough to have a mark.  He would have in all probability worked for a Goldsmith or been a journeyman.

And the Goldsmiths Company are not open at weekends, so getting there in the week is a nightmare.

I am still in 2 minds whether or not to speak to them again, not sure if I can keep my temper should they tell me again that they can not help.