Masonic apron
English, c1760
Painted lambskin 72 x 68cm, plus ties 362 and 571cm long
Accession Number LL7653
Lord Leverhulme became involved with Freemasonry through his business. In 1902 he was the first initiate of a new lodge bearing his name established by some of his employees. He was rapidly promoted to high office at both local and national level. He founded a number of lodges and was a generous benefactor of Masonic charities.
Leverhulme saw Freemasonry as a useful tool to promote social cohesion and high standards of personal conduct among his male workforce. The Masonic network he established at Port Sunlight deliberately reinforced the existing hierarchy within Lever Brothers. Separate lodges were created for managers, supervisors and workers. Freemasonry was an important instrument in his paternalistic policy for the welfare of his workers.
Much of Leverhulme’s Masonic collection came from Albert Calvert, an unsuccessful and somewhat disreputable businessman. Calvert began collecting Masonic memorabilia after joining the order in 1894. Following the collapse of all his enterprises by the end of the First World War, Calvert offered his collection to Leverhulme, who acquired them at bargain prices.
The earliest Freemasons’ aprons were plain lambskins. The practice of decorating them, initially with simple drawings or paintings, began in the 1750s. This is a very early example of the type. Later examples were made of silk or satin with very fine painted or embroidered decoration.
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