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Chain Of Office Collection (#7)

"The Chain of Office: A Symbol of Power and Prestige" The concept of the chain of office dates back centuries, representing authority and honor

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Letter K. Creator: Hans Holbein the Younger

Letter K. Creator: Hans Holbein the Younger
Letter K

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Mr Archie Handford ( President ) pointing out exhibits to Lord Ebbisham at the Professional

Mr Archie Handford ( President ) pointing out exhibits to Lord Ebbisham at the Professional Photographers Exhibition of modern portraiture at the Royal Institute Galleries

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: The Duchess of Kent and the Mayor of Dartford. 1938

The Duchess of Kent and the Mayor of Dartford. 1938

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll, 1st Duke of Greenwich (1678-1743) (engraving)

John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll, 1st Duke of Greenwich (1678-1743) (engraving)
XJF996638 John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll, 1st Duke of Greenwich (1678-1743) (engraving) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; English, out of copyright

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Thomas Howard (1473-1554) 3rd Duke of Norfolk (engraving)

Thomas Howard (1473-1554) 3rd Duke of Norfolk (engraving)
XJF956995 Thomas Howard (1473-1554) 3rd Duke of Norfolk (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk (1536-72) (engraving)

Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk (1536-72) (engraving)
XJF909380 Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk (1536-72) (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; English, out of copyright

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde (1610-88) (engraving)

James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde (1610-88) (engraving)
XJF909377 James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde (1610-88) (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of Prince Platon Zubov, 1793 (oil on canvas)

Portrait of Prince Platon Zubov, 1793 (oil on canvas)
BAL3026583 Prince Platon Zubov, 1793 (oil on canvas) by Lampi, Johann Baptist Edler von (1751-1830); Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount, 1634 (engraving)

Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount, 1634 (engraving)
XJF412220 Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount, 1634 (engraving) by English School, (17th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Maharaja Takhtsinhji of Bhavnagar (engraving)

Maharaja Takhtsinhji of Bhavnagar (engraving)
XJF406290 Maharaja Takhtsinhji of Bhavnagar (engraving) by English photographer, (19th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: John Russell, Duke of Bedford (engraving)

John Russell, Duke of Bedford (engraving)
XJF392668 John Russell, Duke of Bedford (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: John Russell (1710-71) 4th Duke of Bedford

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Charles I in the House of Lords in 1648, from A Short History of the English People by J

Charles I in the House of Lords in 1648, from A Short History of the English People by J
KW387009 Charles I in the House of Lords in 1648, from A Short History of the English People by J. R. Green, published in 1893 (litho) by English School

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Sir Ranulph Crewe, from A Short History of the English People by J. R. Green

Sir Ranulph Crewe, from A Short History of the English People by J. R. Green
KW387005 Sir Ranulph Crewe, from A Short History of the English People by J. R. Green, published in 1893 (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Crewe (1558-1646)

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Carlos, Prince of Asturias, from History of the Reign of Philip II, published in 1855

Carlos, Prince of Asturias, from History of the Reign of Philip II, published in 1855
KW378956 Carlos, Prince of Asturias, from History of the Reign of Philip II, published in 1855 (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Carlos (1545-68)

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Sir Edward Coke (engraving)

Sir Edward Coke (engraving)
XJF377154 Sir Edward Coke (engraving) by Loggan, David (1633/35-92) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sir Edward Coke (1552-1634), justice to the Kings Bench; ); English, out of copyright

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Sir Edward Coke (1552-1634) (engraving)

Sir Edward Coke (1552-1634) (engraving)
XJF377157 Sir Edward Coke (1552-1634) (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: justice to the Kings Bench; ); Ken Welsh; English, out of copyright

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, 1763 (engraving)

John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, 1763 (engraving)
XJF360237 John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, 1763 (engraving) by Ramsay, Allan (1713-84) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of Charles d Amboise (1471-1511) Marshal of France (oil on panel)

Portrait of Charles d Amboise (1471-1511) Marshal of France (oil on panel)
XIR34375 Portrait of Charles d Amboise (1471-1511) Marshal of France (oil on panel) by Solario, Antonio da (fl.1502-14); 75x52 cm; Louvre, Paris, France; Italian, out of copyright

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Richard I, from Crabbs Historical Dictionary, published 1825 (litho)

Richard I, from Crabbs Historical Dictionary, published 1825 (litho)
KW312745 Richard I, from Crabbs Historical Dictionary, published 1825 (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Sir James Whitehead, Lord Mayor of London, c. 1888-9 (b / w photo)

Sir James Whitehead, Lord Mayor of London, c. 1888-9 (b / w photo)
XJF396647 Sir James Whitehead, Lord Mayor of London, c.1888-9 (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of Antoine (1421 / 22-1504) bastard of Burgundy, Knight of the Order of the Golden

Portrait of Antoine (1421 / 22-1504) bastard of Burgundy, Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece, c
XIR61826 Portrait of Antoine (1421/22-1504) bastard of Burgundy, Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece, c.1456 (oil on panel) by Weyden

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland, engraved by John Golder, 1784 (engraving)

Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland, engraved by John Golder, 1784 (engraving)
XJF347966 Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland, engraved by John Golder, 1784 (engraving) by English School, (18th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of Henry Grey, from Lodges British Portraits, 1823 (engraving)

Portrait of Henry Grey, from Lodges British Portraits, 1823 (engraving)
XJF347903 Portrait of Henry Grey, from Lodges British Portraits, 1823 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: William Camden, illustration from Old Englands Worthies by Lord Brougham

William Camden, illustration from Old Englands Worthies by Lord Brougham
KW292363 William Camden, illustration from Old Englands Worthies by Lord Brougham, published c.1880 (engraving) by English School

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Henry V of England, illustration from Old Englands Worthies by Lord Brougham

Henry V of England, illustration from Old Englands Worthies by Lord Brougham
KW292355 Henry V of England, illustration from Old Englands Worthies by Lord Brougham, published c.1880 (engraving) by English School

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Charles Pratt, engraved by H. Wallis, illustration from Historical Sketches of Statesmen

Charles Pratt, engraved by H. Wallis, illustration from Historical Sketches of Statesmen
KW288086 Charles Pratt, engraved by H. Wallis, illustration from Historical Sketches of Statesmen, published in London, 1843 (litho) by English School

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Sir Christopher Hatton, engraved by Bocquet, illustration from A catalogue of Royal

Sir Christopher Hatton, engraved by Bocquet, illustration from A catalogue of Royal
KW287903 Sir Christopher Hatton, engraved by Bocquet, illustration from A catalogue of Royal and Noble Authors, Volume II, published in 1806 (litho) by English School

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of Philip Herbert (1584-1650) 1st Earl of Montgomery and 4th Earl of Pembroke

Portrait of Philip Herbert (1584-1650) 1st Earl of Montgomery and 4th Earl of Pembroke
XJF275086 Portrait of Philip Herbert (1584-1650) 1st Earl of Montgomery and 4th Earl of Pembroke, from Lodges British Portraits, 1823 (engraving) (b/w photo) by English School

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of John Russell (1485-1555) 1st Earl of Bedford, from Lodges British

Portrait of John Russell (1485-1555) 1st Earl of Bedford, from Lodges British
XJF275060 Portrait of John Russell (1485-1555) 1st Earl of Bedford, from Lodges British Portraits, 1823 (engraving) (b/w photo) by English School

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of Henry Fitzalan, 12th Earl of Arundel (c

Portrait of Henry Fitzalan, 12th Earl of Arundel (c
XJF275057 Portrait of Henry Fitzalan, 12th Earl of Arundel (c.1512-1580) from Lodges British Portraits, 1823 (engraving) (b/w photo) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; English

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of Henry Howard, 1546 (oil on panel)

Portrait of Henry Howard, 1546 (oil on panel)
XCF274382 Portrait of Henry Howard, 1546 (oil on panel) by English School; 41.9x28.6 cm; National Portrait Gallery, London, UK; (add.info.: Henry Howard (c.1517-47) Earl of Surrey; ); English

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of Charles II (oil on canvas)

Portrait of Charles II (oil on canvas)
XCF274374 Portrait of Charles II (oil on canvas) by Lely, Peter (1618-80); Private Collection; (add.info.: King Charles II (1630-85); ); English, out of copyright

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of King Richard III (oil on panel)

Portrait of King Richard III (oil on panel)
XCF274373 Portrait of King Richard III (oil on panel) by English School, (15th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Richard III (1452-85); ); English, out of copyright

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: XCF274372 Portrait of Thomas Howard, 1539 (oil on wood) by Holbein the Younger, Hans

XCF274372 Portrait of Thomas Howard, 1539 (oil on wood) by Holbein the Younger, Hans (1497/8-1543); Castle Howard, North Yorkshire

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of Robert Harley, Earl of Oxford (engraving) (b / w photo)

Portrait of Robert Harley, Earl of Oxford (engraving) (b / w photo)
XJF283124 Portrait of Robert Harley, Earl of Oxford (engraving) (b/w photo) by Mote, W.T. (fl. mid-19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Robert Harley (1661-1724); ); British

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of King George III, after 1760 (oil on canvas)

Portrait of King George III, after 1760 (oil on canvas)
XIR26538 Portrait of King George III, after 1760 (oil on canvas) by Ramsay, Allan (1713-84) (after); 70x55 cm; ChAteau de Versailles

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: William Powlett (1475-1572) 1st Marquess of Winchester, c. 1560-70 (oil on panel)

William Powlett (1475-1572) 1st Marquess of Winchester, c. 1560-70 (oil on panel)
XYC230554 William Powlett (1475-1572) 1st Marquess of Winchester, c.1560-70 (oil on panel) by English School, (16th century); 35.9x24.8 cm; Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Sir Henry Wyatt (c. 1460-1537) (oil on panel)

Sir Henry Wyatt (c. 1460-1537) (oil on panel)
XIR218977 Sir Henry Wyatt (c.1460-1537) (oil on panel) by Holbein the Younger, Hans (1497/8-1543); 39x31 cm; Louvre, Paris

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Henry Charles Somerset (1766-1835) 6th Duke of Beaufort (litho)

Henry Charles Somerset (1766-1835) 6th Duke of Beaufort (litho)
KW237014 Henry Charles Somerset (1766-1835) 6th Duke of Beaufort (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; Ken Welsh; English, out of copyright

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of Thomas Howard (1561-1626) 1st Earl of Suffolk, from Lodge s

Portrait of Thomas Howard (1561-1626) 1st Earl of Suffolk, from Lodge s
KW180257 Portrait of Thomas Howard (1561-1626) 1st Earl of Suffolk, from Lodges British Portraits, 1823 (engraving) by English School

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of James Hamilton (1517-1575) 2nd Earl of Arran, from Lodges British

Portrait of James Hamilton (1517-1575) 2nd Earl of Arran, from Lodges British
KW180254 Portrait of James Hamilton (1517-1575) 2nd Earl of Arran, from Lodges British Portraits, 1823 (engraving) by English School

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of Charles Brandon (c. 1484-1545) 1st Duke of Suffolk, from Lodge s

Portrait of Charles Brandon (c. 1484-1545) 1st Duke of Suffolk, from Lodge s
KW179828 Portrait of Charles Brandon (c.1484-1545) 1st Duke of Suffolk, from Lodges British Portraits, 1823 (engraving) by English School

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of Edward Seymour (c. 1500-52) 1st Duke of Somerset, from Lodge s

Portrait of Edward Seymour (c. 1500-52) 1st Duke of Somerset, from Lodge s
KW179284 Portrait of Edward Seymour (c.1500-52) 1st Duke of Somerset, from Lodges British Portraits, 1823 (litho) by English School

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of Thomas Howard (1473-1554) 3rd Duke of Norfolk, from Lodge s

Portrait of Thomas Howard (1473-1554) 3rd Duke of Norfolk, from Lodge s
KW179282 Portrait of Thomas Howard (1473-1554) 3rd Duke of Norfolk, from Lodges British Portraits, 1823 (litho) by English School

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Sir Percival Hart (1496-1580), c. 1555-60 (oil on panel)

Sir Percival Hart (1496-1580), c. 1555-60 (oil on panel)
XYC178411 Sir Percival Hart (1496-1580), c.1555-60 (oil on panel) by English School, (16th century); 87.5x62.2 cm; Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of Henry Howard (1540-1614), from Lodges British Portraits

Portrait of Henry Howard (1540-1614), from Lodges British Portraits
KW178297 Portrait of Henry Howard (1540-1614), from Lodges British Portraits, 1823 (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageChain Of Office Collection: Portrait of George Monck (1608-70), from Lodges British Portraits

Portrait of George Monck (1608-70), from Lodges British Portraits
KW178267 Portrait of George Monck (1608-70), from Lodges British Portraits, 1823 (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)




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"The Chain of Office: A Symbol of Power and Prestige" The concept of the chain of office dates back centuries, representing authority and honor. In 1527, Sir Thomas More donned a magnificent chain as Lord Chancellor, showcasing his esteemed position in society. This intricate piece was captured by Hans Holbein the Younger in a stunning portrait that still captivates viewers today. Fast forward to 1902, when Alderman James Hellyer proudly wore the chain as Lord Mayor of Cardiff. His image immortalized this significant moment, highlighting the importance bestowed upon him by his community. In December 1993, Fowey Deputy Mayor proudly displayed their own unique chain during a memorable event in Cornwall. The charm and elegance exuded from this accessory added an air of distinction to the occasion. Chains were not limited to political figures alone; even football teams embraced their significance. A reunion held in October 1992 for a football team in Fowey saw players adorned with their cherished chains, symbolizing unity and shared achievements on the field. Mayoral ceremonies became synonymous with these prestigious chains. In May 1993, Fowey witnessed its mayor making ceremony where yet another deserving individual assumed leadership while wearing this emblematic adornment. Beyond politics and sports, organizations like Rotary Clubs also recognized outstanding individuals through the passing on of chains. Lostwithiel's Rotary Club Presidency Handover in July 1990 marked a transition filled with pride and responsibility. Looking further into history reveals notable figures who wore these remarkable accessories long ago. Sir Edward Coke's depiction from c1666 showcases his influence as an English lawyer and politician—a testament to how far back these traditions extend. Even mundane tasks took on grandeur when performed by those entrusted with power—such as Neath Book's Mayor starting a paper shredding machine while wearing their distinguished chain—an act that elevated ordinary actions into something extraordinary.