#metalworkers

You might already have seen this videograph elsewhere, but I was rather excited to add this particular book to my collection! One of only twenty-four copies, I feel deeply privileged to be able to share it with you all.

Not only is the story itself very special to me (and worryingly accurate in many respects), it is most gloriously and skilfully bound, and contained in a burr oak box with brass fittings, lined with hand-marbled paper of celestial blue, and illustrated by that marvel of portraiture, Mister Paul Kidby.

Within the box are an assortment of ephemera, some of which are pictured below.

(And yes, I can read the alien ‘penalty notice’.)

Saint Eligius

590-660

Feast Day: December 1

Patronage: goldsmiths, metalworkers, ironworkers, blacksmiths, mechanics, locksmiths, taxi drivers, horses

Saint Eligius was born in France and became a skilled metalsmith. His fame spread and he was appointed “master of the mint” by King ClotaireII for his honesty and skill. With the wealth he acquired, Eligius ransomed slaves, built churches and monasteries and was generous to the poor. After serving in the French court to Clotaire’s son, Eligius became a priest in 640 and eventually a bishop and preached throughout France and Belgium, converting many. He used his talents and wealth for society and the people. He was widely venerated during the middle ages.

~ Fresco of metalworkers from the Tomb of Nebamun at Thebes.

Date: ca. 1385–1370 B.C.

Period: New Kingdom

Happy Feast Day Saint Hubert

656-658 Feast day: November 3 Patronage: hunters, mathematicians, opticians, metalworkers Saint Hubert or Hubertus was passionately devoted to hunting. While chasing a stag on a Good Friday morning, he received a vision of a crucifix between the animal’s antlers. A voice warned him,“Hubert, unless you turn to the Lord, and lead a holy life, you shall quickly go down to hell.” It was a conversion experience for Hubert. After his wife died he became a priest and later a bishop working passionately for Our Lord.