In April 2024 the idea was brought up by the Senior Office bearers that a badge or medal be considered for the partners of the Deacon Convener and Master of Trades Hospital, to be worn at functions and events attending with those office bearers. After investigation with a number of companies, it was decided that the design and manufacture should be promoted with the Design students at Gray’s School of Art (part of Robert Gordon University).
In May 2024, following discussion with one of the Vice Principals of the University, contact was made with one of the jewellery lecturers in the Design department. A project of design and manufacture was proposed with a prize awarded to the successful student along with a commission to produce their design. A specification was written up in partnership with The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen, with a closing date for applications is 20th December 2024.
The Gray’s School of Art Student Project Competition was “to develop and produce a medal design in precious and/or base metals for The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen. The design to be created within the constraints of the historic heraldry to which the Trades of Aberdeen adhere, imagery of this to be provided”.
Two identical medals produced will be regarded as heirloom designs. The medals will continue to be worn and inherited as per the traditions of the Trades members for many years to come. The winning design will be selected through a presentation ‘pitch’ style process which will include representatives from the Seven Incorporated Trades.
On the 28th January 2025, students presented their designs and spoke to the manufacture and the reasons for the design.
Anna Keith was the successful student and after some minor change she was commissioned to construct the medals. The design shows specific details from each of the Seven Trades Arms: the Hammer of the Hammermen, Bakers Paddles, Wrights & Coopers Dividers Tailors Shears, Shoemakers Knife, Weavers Shuttles, Fleshers Knives, along with the Helmet incorporated into the Convener Court Crest and the Tower of Aberdeen.
The medals were to be displayed on a separate Bow Ribbon but after discussion this option was dropped and a pin fastening was selected.
The work was completed by the end of April and on the 14th May the medals were presented by Anna to the Deacon Convener, Andrew Leiper, and the Master of Trades Hospital, Ian MacIntosh.
At the same time the prize cheque was present to Anna Keith.
