Now in its 36th year, the Sir Lionel Denny
Lecture is one of the high-points in the calendar for the Worshipful Company of
Barbers and so it was a great pleasure for the Mistress and I invited to
attend. Held in the wonderful Barber-Surgeons’ Hall off London Wall, we joined
70 or so other Masters and Consorts for the lecture.
On arrival we were shown into the Great Hall, a striking
room panelled with Japanese Oak and opening directly onto the Terrace. Lit with
Waterford crystal chandeliers, flooded with natural light and bowed
towards the West, the Hall is dominated by a magnificent Holbein painting of
Henry VIII uniting the Barbers’ and Surgeons’ Companies in 1541-42 (see photo).
We duly took our seats to await our guest speaker who was introduced by the
Master Barber, Dr Timothy Cutler.
Dr Margaret Pelling is a senior research associate of the
Wellcome Unit for the History of Medicine at Oxford University. Her topic was
the history of the Barbers Pole, a well-known symbol connected with the trade
of barbering, a most ancient trade. Focussing particularly on the period 1500
to 1700 Dr Pilling took us through some of the lessor known aspects of the
pole, its symbolism and significance. She also dispelled some urban myths as to
the meaning of the red and white (and sometimes blue) stripes than adorn the
pole. In short, no one really knows where they came from. But it was a
fascinating insight into the workings of London life in the late Middle Ages!
After some questions from the floor Dr Pelling was thanked
for her speech and a small gift was presented. Guests were then invited to a
reception in the Court Room with drinks and canapes.
A very enjoyable evening and great to hear about an ancient
trade that is still very much alive and well in modern society – that of having
a hair-cut! Our thanks to the Master Barber and his Wardens for their
hospitality.
No comments:
Post a Comment