The Treasures of English Freemasonry 1717-2017

Előszó

Introduction
Richard Gan
The year 2017 sees the celebration of the Tercentenary of the formation of the first Grand Lodge and with it the formal organisation of Freemasonry in England and indeed the world. Since 1717 many millions of men have become Freemasons and in England alone over 9,500 lodges have been constituted. Whilst some of these lodges have come and gone, others have survived as long as Grand Lodge itself All however have left a footprint - in some instances so shallow as to be almost imperceptible and which has long since disappeared, whilst others have left an indelible and long-lasting impression.
The record that remains is multifaceted and reflects the social history of the last 300 years; which in the case of Freemasonry means an organisation which can boast a membership ranging from Kings and royalty at one end of the spectrum to the poor and destitute at the other; and from the artisan to the highly skilled artist - all of whom have had a part to play and all of whom have left their respective mark.
It is no surprise that over a period of 300 years a substantial number of items with Masonic decoration and connections have been made and collected. Many of the finest examples can now be found in the Library and Museum of Freemasonry in London and other Masonic Museums up and down the country. These objects include examples of regalia, jewels, manuscripts, books, magazines, newspapers, photographs, prints, engravings, postage stamps, documents such as Patents of Appointment, certificates. Warrants and Charters, portraits, glassware, porcelain, pottery, ceramics, furniture, silverware, presentation pieces and ephemera.
Whilst to some the word 'treasure' has the connotation of high monetary value, the treasures or objects contained in the book might not be all of great financial worth, but many are priceless and most are irreplaceable.
Over 200 Masonic objects that reflect all aspects of Freemasonry over the last 300 years have been carefully selected, professionally photographed, and categorised into one of ten different themes. The themes form the chapters in the book, each of which has an introduction, based on the images, written by an acknowledged Masonic scholar: 'The Early Years of Freemasonry' - Professor Aubrey Newman; 'The Antients and the Moderns' - Dr David Harrison; 'The Formation of the United Grand Lodge of England' - John Belton; 'A Cornucopia of Freemasonry' - Diane Clements, 'My Cup Runneth Over' - Richard Gan; 'The Craft of Symbolism' - Hugh O'Neill; 'Freemasons' Hall, London' - Dr James Campbell; 'Freemasonry Overseas' - Dr James Daniel; 'Freemasonry and Charity' - Dr John Reuther; 'Royal Freemasons and the Rulers of the Craft' - Dr Paul Calderwood. Vissza