MWSDB Arms, painted on vellum
The Arms of the MWSDB painted on vellum, a medieval type of parchment made from animal skin, usually pig, sheep or calf; and in more recent times from cotton.
The MWSDB used its badge extensively rather than its coat of arms, and no known examples of the Arms are known to exist in a three-dimensional form. The version shown here is that painted on the Letters Patent, and demonstrates the highly detailed work of the heraldic artist painting directly on to vellum.
The artist is unknown, but was one of the several artists engaged by the College of Arms in London to paint representations of Arms upon the Letters Patent it has prepared.
Some questions to research:
- Compare these Arms with those of Prospect County Council and identify the charges that specifically allude to natural formations in the Sydney region.
- Why might the MWSDB have used as supporters the classical figures that were also supporters for the Arms on the London water authorities?
Image source: Nathanael Hughes, 11th October 2006
Top of page
| 
