Decorative arts — 1781
Badge, Christ's Hospital Badge
Oval badge worn by scholars of Christ's Hospital Mathematical School. The centre panel features an allegorical figure of 'Commerce' (or possibly Britannia) standing with a spear in her right hand. At her feet is a crate and bale representing trade goods, in the background can be seen sailing ships.
Around the rim is inscribed in Latin 'Prosperitas Navibus Magnae Britanniae Ex Munificentia I Stock Arm 1781.' Translated this possibly means 'Prosperity to the Navigation of Great Britain Out of generosity I am supplied.' The word Navigation in this sense being the traditional 18th century term for maritime trade.
Like other charitable Schools in London, Christ's Hospital trained young men in navigation and other related skills to enable them for a career at sea.
- Category:
- Decorative arts
- Object ID:
- 21807
- Object name:
- badge, Christ's Hospital Badge
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- 1781
- Material:
tin (alloy)
- Measurements/duration:
- H 90 mm, W 75 mm
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Long-term loan
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.