Preston Guild Collectables - 1882
for pictures of 1882 collectables, see the 1882 album
There was a large increase in the commemorative pottery available in 1882. Much of it depicted pictures of two of the great parks in Preston, Miller and Avenham. Miller Park was given to the people of Preston by Thomas Miller, philanthropic cotton manufacturer, in 1863, one year after the previous Guild and one year before his death. The Guild in 1882 was the first Guild at which Miller and Avenham Parks were officially open for the public. Avenham has a large natural ampitheatre which must have been a wonderful setting for many of the 1882 celebrations.
Little is known about the 1882 Guild Mayor, Edmund Birley, a prominent cotton manufacturer in Preston. The 1882 Guild is more well known for the decision to invite royalty to the event. The Prince of Wales was invited, but with only a few months to go before the Guild, declined the invitation. In his place his brother, Leopold, the Duke of Albany, the eighth of Queen Victoria's nine children, was invited and accepted. Sadly, only three days before the Guild celebrations were due to start, the Duke became ill and had to cancel. At this extremely short notice the Duke of Cambridge, who had previously opened the New Town Hall, stepped in. It is therefore interesting to find memorabilia with the Duke and Duchess of Albany, such as this Guild medal.
