The Cripplegate Ward Club

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TOUR OF THOMAS GOODE & CO

Wednesday 16 May 2018

TOUR OF THOMAS GOODE & CO

We assembled just inside the front entrance of this magnificent establishment in South Audley Street, Mayfair on a Wednesday morning in mid-May. The first sixteen arrivals set off for a very informative twenty minute tour of this emporium led by the Store Manager dressed in a frock coat as were the other members of the store staff.

The many items on display were truly beautiful and very fine. The store has a small museum with dinner plates on display each carrying the exclusive pattern of the dinner service purchased by members of the Royal Family from Queen Victoria to the present day, other European Royal and titled families all the way through to modern day celebrities. Clearly anyone who owns and uses a dinner service from Thomas Goode & Co has the requisite staff to carefully hand wash it each time it was used.

Fine crystal and unique pieces of modern sculptured glass was also on display awaiting purchase as well as cutlery and other table decorations. One of the display rooms at the rear of the shop has fine stained glass windows dating from the early twentieth century and it was easy to imagine oneself back in the day where you were attentively served by liveried footmen wearing white cotton gloves.

After the third party went round on their tour with the Store Manager, Ward Club members strolled down to Audley Square, a mere five minute walk to lunch in the first floor Library of the University Women's Club formerly known as the University Club for Ladies which was founded in 1883. The Club had several moves since its foundation but finally purchased the freehold of a private house, 2 Audley Square, from the family of Lord Arthur Russell who had it built in 1876 on the site of an earlier home belonging to his mother. It had already been a meeting place for distinguished women before the Club took it over. The library with its collection of books and selection of newly published work for members to borrow was impressive.

Mary Nurse
Master