Arbiter Elegantiarum Medallion

Made about 1814 

 

Purchased in 2018 

 

This medallion was worn by Leamington’s Master of Ceremonies, also known as the Arbiter Elegantiarum (judge of elegance). Their role was to manage the social calendar of balls and concerts in the town. The history of the medallion tells us more about Leamington as a spa resort. We applied to external bodies to help us to raise the funds to buy it. It was purchased with support from the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the Friends of Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum.