The Circle

Founded in 1952, Going Strong

* Circle founded in 1952 by Edward Pratt and a group of some 20 people interested in labels.

* Today some 170 members, with approximately 70% resident in the United Kingdom, 30% in twelve other countries.

Members

* Many members are collectors of labels, but others are interested more in the social and historical aspects related to labels.

* Friendly emphasis with those recently attracted to labels most warmly welcomed by existing members.

* Most are private individuals but the membership includes museums and City livery companies.

* Circle provides a focus for members’ interests and enthusiasms and encourages research relating to their particular interests.

Objects

* Circle financially sound but not for profit – income from subscriptions and book sales finance Journal, meetings and research  

* Objects partly educational - the study of all kinds of labels made of silver or any material other than paper, for use mainly on glassware such as bottles and decanters - and partly for enjoyment and appreciation of labels.

* Bin labels and bottle and decanter corks also covered

* Research encouraged, resulting in the publication of books, the Society’s Journal and other articles

* Research topics include early labels (from the 1730s), contemporary labels, the variety of designs, silversmiths, materials used (such as silver, silver plate, enamel and mother-of-pearl), and the huge number of different titles or names appearing on labels.

* Meetings and interchange of views between members promoted.

Elected Officers, Member Participation

* Elected body of officers comprising President, Vice-President, Secretary, Membership Secretary, Treasurer, Editors of the Journal, Archivist, Solicitor and Auditor.

* Executive Committee meets regularly to manage the affairs of the Circle, supplemented by an Advisory Committee.

*The Circle is run for the benefit of its members, who elect the officers and are  encouraged to express their views.