One of the requirements by King David in the granting of burgess-ship in 1124 was that the recipient had to take on some civic responsibilities. These included educating their children and making provision for their widows, old and infirm. Initially this was an individual burgess responsibility but on the formation of the Guildry in 1260 it became a more achievable objective. Fast forward to 1681 and the Merchant Company of Edinburgh was formed. These responsibilities were enshrined in a Royal Charter whose terms still exist today.
Mr Vincent Mason Art Historian and Member of the Royal Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh, Guild Brother and Burgess of the City of Edinburgh, will talk about this great tradition of collective mercantile philanthropy and its relevance to the Edinburgh of the 21st century.
Speaker
Mr Vincent Mason, Art Historian and Member of the Royal Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh, Guild Brother and Burgess of the City of Edinburgh
Mr Mason is a former assistant to the Masters Court, former Chair of Charities and member of the Archives and Treasures Committee of the Merchant Company. His research interests are wide and include the development of home-grown talent in 17th and early 18th century Scottish portraiture and the interpersonal relationships of the artists and sitters. He advises the Master and Court on the restoration and conservation of the Merchant Company’s historical collection of art.
Booking details to be confirmed.
