W. Bryer & Sons gold refiners and assayers frieze

The Gold Smelters Frieze

The Gold Smelters Frieze, also known as the Barbican Frieze or Bryer's Frieze, is a notable outdoor relief sculpture located along Aldersgate Street in London. Created by artist J. Daymond, the frieze was originally part of the facade of 53 and 54 Barbican, the premises of W. Bryer & Sons Gold Refiners and Assayers. In 1962, the building was demolished, but the frieze was preserved and re-erected in its current location by the Corporation of London in 1975. (en.wikipedia.org)

The relief depicts twelve figures engaged in the gold refining trade, accompanied by a cat, highlighting the artisanal nature of the profession. The frieze is mounted on a large concrete block atop a brick plinth, with a plaque that reads:

"THIS FRIEZE WAS REMOVED FROM NUMBER 53 AND 54 / BARBICAN WHEN IT WAS DEMOLISHED IN 1962 AND RE / ERECTED BY THE CORPORATION OF LONDON IN 1975 / NUMBER 53 AND 54 WERE THE PREMISES / OF W. BRYER & SONS GOLD REFINERS AND ASSAYERS / WHOSE TRADE IS DEPICTED IN THE FRIEZE. THE BUILDING / WAS ONE OF THE FEW WHICH SURVIVED WHEN THE AREA / WAS LARGELY DESTROYED BY INCENDIARY BOMBS IN / DECEMBER 1940." (en.wikipedia.org)

The frieze serves as a testament to the gold refining industry that once thrived in the Barbican area. During World War II, the area suffered significant damage due to incendiary bombs in December 1940, but the building housing the frieze was among the few that survived. This resilience underscores the historical importance of the gold refining trade in London's economic and cultural heritage.

Today, the Gold Smelters Frieze stands as a significant piece of public art, reflecting the rich history of London's Barbican district and the gold refining industry. Its preservation and display highlight the city's commitment to honoring its industrial past and the artisans who contributed to its development.