Architecture and Stained Glass
The Hall
The archive holds a huge number of records regarding the architecture, restoration, and maintenance of the Hall from 1763 onwards. The collection includes architectural plans for the Merchant Adventurers' Hall itself, as well as material relating to the surrounding streets. The papers also include detailed conservation plans, and document the Company's working relationship with English Heritage and York Archaeology (formerly York Archaeological Trust).
There is also a large collection of papers from the architectural firm Francis Johnson and Partners. The founder of the Bridlington-based firm, Francis F. Johnson, had been Governor of the Company in 1980, and was honorary architect until his death in 1995.
Stained Glass
The Hall has a beautiful collection of stained glass windows, and the archive documents the history of the pieces and includes information on earlier glasswork which no longer survives. Details in the account books show works paid for by the medieval masters, and later records show the design and installation of pieces into the 20th century.
The Undercroft also houses a window designed by stained-glass designer Harry Stammers, who also designed windows for many of York's churches. This was one of the final windows designed by Stammers before his retirement in 1960.
Read more about the Hall's stained glass through the Merchant Adventurers' blog.
Buildings in the city
A particular treasure of the collection is the series of Receipts and Vouchers that survive from 16th century onwards. These seemingly small administrative and financial records reveal fascinating insights into the city's built heritage, including buildings since demolished. They detail the names and occupations of the trades- and craftspeople, their wages, and the time they spent working on individual buildings around York. They also demonstrate the changing property portfolio of the Company over the centuries.