Development of our Coat of Arms 2008/09
Our Coat of Arms has been developed to symbolise our identity, reflect our heritage, show where we are today and be of relevance to future generations.
Colours:
Azure blue was the original colour used by the Glass Sellers since the formation of the Company in 1664. However as the only ribbon available, during the Second World War, was blue & maroon, the colours were changed to suit and remain in use today. For continuity Azure Blue and Murray Red have been retained in our Coat of Arms.
Shield:
Bears the three items that have been on the Company shield since the 17th Century. A jug or stone vessel representing Ceramics; a Venetian glass, representing glass containers, also shows the skilled art of glass engraving; a rectangular looking-glass or mirror, first made at the time the Glass Sellers Company was founded. These were the only product types sold when the Company was founded and continue to be sold today.
Supporters:
Flanking the shield are two Ravens. They represent the Company’s unique and historic connection with George Ravenscroft, who developed Lead Crystal glass which continues today for decorative & scientific purposes. It is said that the Company, uniquely, purchased Ravenscroft’s first year’s output to ensure a sound business footing of his Company. The Ravens, that also represent ‘flight’ as glass product is increasingly used in the manufacture & control of aircraft, find footing on the Sun and the Globe.
The Sun:
For enlightenment, represents our ongoing connection with glass industry R&D and education through both our highly successful Glass in Society project that has been adopted in the National Curriculum, and through individual bursaries.
The Globe:
Represents the global markets for all glass products as well as global communication, facilitated by optical glass fibre subsea cables. The actual lay of the main cable routes, as they are today, are also shown. The Oceans link to boats made with fibreglass hulls and to one of HM Submarines adopted, over many years, by the Company. Glass objects, found in sunken ships, have helped track trade routes and improve our knowledge of the history of glass making.
Crest:
Flames are shown rising out of a furnace to represent the heat essential to making glass for any application. Flames also appear on the Crest of Sir Robert Mansell, the industrialist who, in 1623, was granted a patent for making any type of glass object. The Society of Glass Technology quotes: “Although Mansell was no glassmaker himself, he was a business man of genius and saw to it that his workmen produced glass of the right quality. No one person has had such an influence on all sides of the British Glass industry”.
Motto:
“Discordia Frangimvr” (which may be translated as “we will be broken by discord”) appears on a scroll beneath the shield. At its centre are glass beads, on fibreglass thread, representing glass artistry since earliest times and across the globe – for trading, for adornment, to show status, riches or faith.
