Here it is – seen in public for the first time. This is the final design of the main pendant of Marlborough’s new 18 carat gold Mayoral Chain, now being crafted by specialist Birmingham jewellers Thomas Fattorini, founded in 1827.
It will replace the historic original 1911 chain, said to be the finest in Wiltshire, which was stolen from the Mayor’s Parlour at Marlborough Town hall last October by thieves who broke into the building via an underground trap door.
The traditionally designed new chain, incorporating an element of modern design, is now being created as fast as possible in time for the annual Mayor-making ceremony in May when Councillor Marian Hannaford-Dobson will be the first Mayor to wear it.
And since it is going to be touch and go that the magnificent new Mayoral chain will be ready in time, the date of the annual Mayor-making ceremony – and the start of the new municipal year – is being postponed from May 12.
It will now be held for the first time on a Friday instead of the traditional Monday, the date chosen to be May 23 with the first full Town Council meeting postponed until Tuesday, May 27.
There were two design options for the centre link of the new chain being created in white gold, the one chosen being pictured above, part of 18 elaborate enamelled medallions decorated with semi-precious stones.
Marlborough’s current Mayor, Councillor Guy Loosmore, accompanied by his deputy, Councillor Marian Hannaford-Dobson, toured the Fattorini firm in February to meet its expert jewellers, who hold a Royal Warrant, and see the final designs.
These incorporate Marlborough’s current Coat of Arms and the use of white gold greyhounds, the town’s symbol.
They are likely to return there again before the new chain, paid for by the £96,500 insurance payout for the stolen one, every penny of it dedicated to the cost of its replacement.
“It’s very sad that our original chain was stolen but now I am very excited at being the first Mayor to wear this new one – and highly honoured,” Councillor Marian Hannaford-Dobson told Marlborough News Online at the time.
Councillor Guy Loosmore said: “Marlborough is determined to put back in place its stolen heritage. I have every confidence that Fattorini will create an exceptional an exquisite replacement for the original chain.”
