Preston Guild Collectables - 1862
for pictures of 1862 collectables, see the 1862 album
1862 was the height of the depression, which affected Preston badly. Over one quarter of the population were officially declared destitute. Feelings ran high because of the contrast between the amount of money being spent on the Guild, and the poverty of many of the workers, especially as some of the mill owners were very rich indeed.
However, over 600,000 people attended this Guild, and it was deemed a great success. One of the most spectacular events was the performance of the world-famous tightrope artist Blondin on Preston Marsh.
Below is a Carte de Viste of the Mayor, Alderman and Councillors of the 1962 Guild. A Carte de Viste is a representation of a photograph, they were the precursor to postcards and very collectable in their heydey of the 1860s.
Unfortunately, because of the method of manufacture, it is not possible to read the names of the men on the Carte de Viste. However, the Harris Museum have the original photograph from which the Carte de Viste was produced, and they have very kindly given us a diagram showing the names
