Name

British Master Apron By R. Newman

Origin/date 

UK, 1790.  

Material and dimensions

Printed on silk with silver/metal bullion fringe. Border in colored ribbon (light blue, red and dark blue)

Description

At the front of the apron is the arms of the Antients Grand Lodge, being a shield divided into four equal quadrants by a cross. Above the shield is the Arc of the Covenant on a torse. The shield is framed by a wreath of wheat. Supporting the shield are two cherubim standing on a banner with the tekst: “Holiness to the Lord” Above the arms is a radiant sun with facial features to the right and a moon with facial features and seven stars to the right. In the centre are Hebrew characters from wich rises a bright ray terminating in a triangle enclosing an All-seeing Eye on two sides reading “Let there be light. And there was light.” Below the arms is a chequered pavement with a stepped dias. On the dias the figure of Charity, with two childeren. To the right is a beehive and bees behind which is a depiction of Solomon’s temple with a set quare and compasses on the pediment and acacia to the front. On the floor lies an open book with a set sq uare and compasses.

Signed on the bottom: “Dedicated to the Brethren at Large of the Anc't and Hon'ble society of Free and Acc'd Masons by their Sincere Well Wisher Br. Rt. Newman / Pub'd as the Act directs May 1st A.D. 1798 A.L. 5798 by Br. R. Newman Engraver & ct.t.

Provenance

UK, private dealer.

Literature

For an identical apron in the collection of the museum of the United Grand Lodge of England, see item M1963/228, Title: “Apron of the Antients Grand Lodge”