Tessera

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall

@merchantshallyork.org

Discover one of the finest medieval guildhalls in the world. Home to York’s entrepreneurs for 660 years and counting. merchantshallyork.org

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Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 2h ago

It's Friday and therefore nearly the weekend and this little chap could not be more delighted!

We are looking at a close up of a walking stick which is fashioned from a stick. It is incised with a cartoon tree like creature with spiky hair, branch arms and a smiley face. The creatures nose is part of a bump in the walking stick. The illustration is then inked in.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 22h ago

It's 1st October so with spooky season just around the corner we thought we'd share again this atmospheric and unique photo of the Undercroft. This is possibly the only known photo showing the space partitioned, and looking as it would have done when it was an alms house.

We are looking at a black and white photo of the Undercroft. It is a long room with an uneven cobbled floor and bare stone walls. In the distance is a three mullion window and to the side of it part of the oak screen to the chapel. On the right of the photo between the oak posts are timber framed walls and a set of stairs leading to an unseen doorway.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 2d ago

If the (massive) key fits… …the thing is although it does fit, once again this is a faux lock. The real one is on the top with its decorative lock plate.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 3d ago

Because you asked so nicely here’s a video of us popping a key into one of our 17th century chests. Sadly we can’t open it (due to poorly hinges) but we have some photos below.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 3d ago

It's National Coffee Day? Hold our tea (sorry - we are from Yorkshire it's the law)... How about this fancy pants coffee pot made in York in 1799 for your morning brew?!

We are looking at a silver coffee pot in a vase form, reeded borders, engraved with foliate decoration and an initialled cartouche, hinged raised cover with a knop finial, on an oval foot, the underside inscribed.

Barnsley Museums@barnsleymuseums.bsky.social · 3d ago

Today is National Coffee Day, which is all the reason we need to re-share this beautiful ceramic coffee pot by William De Morgan. #NationalCoffeeDay #Coffee

A ceramic teapot with a tall, gourd-shaped body, a curved spout, and handle. It features decorative red patterns with floral and abstract designs on a white background.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 4d ago

We are a very old building. We have lots of keys. We have lots of keys that DO open things. Join us for a one off instalment of, “Keys of the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall that are pretty and also serve a purpose”.

We are looking at two pewter plates with an assortment of large brass and iron keys in various shapes and sizes.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 4d ago

If we post keys that actually open things would you be interested in seeing them? Or is it just the thrill of looking at pretty keys that don't open anything?

We are looking at a key with a thick oval bow, wide stem and intricate key ward.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · last wk.

Apologies for a repost but it's the Merchant Adventurers Michaelmas Feast this evening so we are very busy trying to stop the devil urinating on our blackberries. The post will explain more...

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall@merchantshallyork.org · last yr.

Today is an important day for the Merchant Adventurers. We are celebrating Michaelmas (slightly early) which is the Feast of St Michael and All Angels. St Michael was the badass angel who defeated Lucifer in the war in heaven. Here he is in an illuminated manuscript (from the British Library).

We are looking at a section of an illuminated manuscript showing the Angel St Michael holding a large cross in one hand whilst balancing scales. The large cross is piercing the mouth of a two headed dragon creature.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · last wk.

We are a very old building. We have lots of keys. We have lots of keys that don’t open anything. Join us for a one off installment of, “Keys of the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall that are pretty but completely useless”. 🔑 🧵

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · last wk.

Have you ever wondered what York looks like from a hot air balloon? Well we can tell you - it looks *chefs kiss*

We are looking at a view of York from the air - lots of tiled roofs surround the gothic stone masterpiece of York Minster. In the distance the city is replaced with open patchwork fields and the Howardian hills in the distance.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · last wk.

Three amazing things about this 16th century letter: 1. It is written in code. 2. It complains about pirates. 3. It is written by King Henry VIII!

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 2w ago

Apparently oysters are aphrodisiacs. Perhaps not this one. 😬

We are looking at a close up of a medieval drawing of a circular oyster painted brown with a beak - the oyster has teeth.

The Linnean Society of London @linneansociety.bsky.social · 2w ago

Stop! Hooo goes there? We need help. We are trying to raise money to save damaged rare and beautiful books in our library. One of them holds this very anxious looking owl in a book on the natural history of Alaska (1874-1881) by American naturalist Lucien M Turner. Pls can you help? bit.ly/45wG7YG

Naturalist illustration of an adult female great grey owl (Ulula cinerea lapponica) perched on a mossy tree stump, facing forward with a round facial disk, concentric feather markings and bright yellow eyes.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 2w ago

A close up of one of the Hall’s Tudor fireplaces. Until the 1580s, heat came from open hearths set in the floor. This fireplace is one of four providing heat, light and possible cooking facilities for the almshouse in the Undercroft.

We are looking at a section of a brick Tudor fireplace as well as some cobwebs.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 2w ago

STAND AND DELIVER! A brand new ghost has arrived in the garden at the Hall - a highwayman and his trusty steed. As you will know, Dick Turpin (dick by name and by nature) met his demise at York Tyburn.

We are looking at two wire sculptures - one of and 18th century highwayman with a long coat, trucker hat and two pistols. Behind him is a horse who really wants to get away from him.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 2w ago

AI 1980's? No thanks we have the 1580's. We even have the big shoulder pads. 🤩

We are looking at a half-length portrait of William Robinson, who was Governor from 1578-80 and 1590-1591 and benefactor to the Company of Merchant Adventurers. He was also Lord Mayor of York in 1581 and 1594 and M.P for York in 1584 and 1589. His right shoulder is towards us. The figure is set within a painted arch. His right shoulder is towards us. He wears red Alderman's robes, a fashionable ruff and a black skull cap. On the forefinger of his right hand he wears a gold ring with a Coat of Arms. He was also Lord Mayor of York in 1594 and M.P for York in 1584 and 1589. After cleaning the ghost of a staff could be seen in his right hand.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 2w ago

‘Wood’ you believe it’s nearly Thursday. Thank you. We are here all week. 😉

We are looking at a section of the Great Hall’s oak framed roof. The central posts are visible which then branch out to the vast space above.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 2w ago

Something spooky this way comes! Yes the ghosts are baaaaaaaack! From 19th September to 1st November ghostly wire sculptures will appear in green spaces across the city, including the Hall's garden. Spooooktacular!

We are looking at an opaque wire sculpture in the shape of a medieval female merchant.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 3w ago

We’re not sure about this Saturday Night Fever reboot…

We are looking at a close up of a medieval manuscript showing two very coordinated black devils who appear to be strutting their funky stuff on a green chequerboard dance floor. Another devil has perhaps had too much to drink and thinks they can fly and is hovering over them.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 3w ago

In a one off episode of Fungi Watch at the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall… May we present this majestic specimen of a Laetiporus, commonly known as chicken of the woods.

We are looking at a cherry tree with a mustard yellow fungi growing in brackets out of the side of its trunk. In the background is the Hall which is matching in a very similar yellow shade.

We are looking at a close up of a cherry tree with a mustard yellow fungi growing in brackets out of the side of its trunk.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 3w ago

It’s cloud appreciation day. Here are some particularly excellent North Yorkshire clouds. 👍

We are looking at the sky which has some lovely white and grey fluffy clouds which are just obscuring the sun. The blue sky is indigo blue.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 3w ago

When you're a medieval guildhall but all anyone wants to talk about is a medieval "tapestry"...

We are looking at a close up of the Bayeux tapestry showing William the Conqueror looking a bit blankly whilst pointing at an unseen figure. He holds a standard in one hand.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 3w ago

Names of Merchant Adventurers from history: Marwood Bustard Butler Burton Dyxon Darton Lancelot Driffield Theophilus Garrencieres York Horner Suckling Spendlove To be honest we just picked out the humorous ones because we are children.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 3w ago

Today we thought we'd talk about this gentleman who some of you may recognise. Joseph Rowntree was a Quaker, confectioner, philanthropist and Merchant Adventurer. Plus as you can see in this photo quite the natty dresser.

We are looking at an older gentleman who is balding but has a very tidy white beard and is wearing wire frame spectacles. He looks directly at the camera with a warm expression. He is wearing a three piece check wool suit with a string tie held with a metal clip.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 4w ago

It has been 16 days since we have posted a picture of the Great Hall's roof. For those getting withdrawal symptoms - here's your fix.

We are looking at the Great Hall on an early September evening. The lights are on illuminating the oak framed splendour which is the roof. It soars up majestically in perfect medieval harmony.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 4w ago

Lets head into the new week with the same confidence as Dr Maud Sellers does standing on the steps of the Hall... ...but perhaps without the fur. 🤢

We are looking at a black and white photo of a middle aged woman standing on the steps on the Tudor entrance to the Hall. She is relaxed and eschews confidence. She is wearing a long skirt over which is a thigh length jacket. She is wearing a long fur stole around her neck and a big hat with feathers.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 4w ago

News! Exciting news! The Maud Sellers display is here and looks, if we do say so ourselves rather splendid!

We are looking at the display on Maud Sellers in the Great Hall. It consists of a table top panel which mirrors a desk and three panels which have been made to look like an Edwardian screen. At one end is a cloak hook with a coat, fur stole and feathered hat.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 4w ago

This is amazing but we did think it was a loaf of bread... 😐

Oscar Lozada@oz-of-the-ancients.bsky.social · 4w ago

A small human figurine (missing its head) from the Neolithic, around 5000 years old! #FindsFriday It was found at the same site as the more famous 'Westray Wife', on Westray, Orkney, in Scotland The rectangular pattern may be a tunic of some kind! 📸 Me 📍Westray Heritage Centre 🏺 #archaeology

A small light brown clay figurine on a museum stand, partially broken, with an inscribed rectangle and other lines on the main face

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 4w ago

Are we all in need of a medieval hug? We think so. ❤️

We are looking at two figures hugging. One is dressed in blue and is wearing a brown pointy hat. The other is an angel with wings and an orange halo. It looks like both are in need of a hug.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall @merchantshallyork.org · 4w ago

Have we 'peaked' your interest? We spelt peek wrong. Sorry. 👀

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall@merchantshallyork.org · 4w ago

We have something very exciting on its way to the Hall! Here is a sneaky peak of a new permanent display on Dr Maud Sellers: steamboat lady, traveller, historian, archivist and the first female Merchant Adventurer in 400 years. Join us for a short thread on the indominable Maud...

We are looking at a workshop and in the foreground is a large display panel in the shame of a screen. It has an illustrated coat rail with an green coat, fox fur and elaborate hat hanging from it. At the base is a travel trunk and suitcase. Above is text, illustrations and photos.