Preston Guild Collectables - 1952
for pictures of 1952 collectables, see the 1952 album
The sequence of Preston Guild being held every twenty years had remained unbroken for centuries but the council agreed to postpone the 1942 Guild until 1952 due to the Second World War. The war eventually ended in 1945, but even by 1952 the economy was still coping with the after effects of the war.
Rationing was still in place for some foods, there was a shortage of cars and materials used for street parties and bunting was in short supply. The Guild Mayor and Mayoress in 1952 were Mr John Ward and Mrs Maggie Ward. It is perhaps a sign of the more austere times that their images do not appear on the commemorative pieces from 1952. John Ward was a dental surgeon and farmer, and had been a previous mayor of Preston. Maggie Ward had been a teacher and social worker, and they were a popular choice to hold the mayoral office.
There are fewer commemorative pieces available from the 1952 than there were for the 1922 Guild. Although those items that do exist, particularly drinking glasses and a biscuit tin, are relatively numerous. Ceramic pieces are especially in very short supply, and the cream coloured mug below is a very rare piece. Apart from two hand made beakers from Frederick Cook of Ambleside which are displayed in the Harris Museum, this is the only 1952 ceramic piece that we are aware of.
