HISTORYIn medieval times, guilds were formed to represent common interests of those in shared work practices, such as coopers and surgeons. Apart from mutual interests, guilds also promoted ceremonial activities, such as holidays of their patron saint, initiations, testimonials and even burials. As the free market expanded, guilds were seen increasingly as impediments to economic growth. Trade in commodities and services became more fluid outside the control of closed shops. "Workers" were represented by trade unions and professional qualifications managed by universities. With the various craft revivals in the 1890s and 1970s, craft guilds were developed such as the Guild of St George and the Victorian Embroiderer's Guild. They were no longer associated with paid work, but with lifestyle. Today, the role of trade unions is declining. Nowadays, it is possible for a single worker to intersect with a number of occupational groups. One person might combine an artistic practice with waiting in a cafe and office reception. Running between these responsibilities can be quite isolating. There is potential to develop guild identities that reflect shared work practices that are common today, but lack formal associations. We could start with cappuccino pullers, DJs, hackers, web site designers, network administrators, photocopier technicians and publicists. Where would you go from here? Already there are many informal guilds developing online, such as the HTML Guild and the Open Source Movement. The Internet is quite conducive to guild-building because of the ease of communication. However, the computer screen is a cold medium that cannot fully satisfy need for bonds of association. Objects that represent these occupations offer a more tangible link. The history of guilds provides us with models: shields, trophies, badges, ritual objects, round tables, tapestries, paintings etc. What would be a 21st century take on guild objects?
See also English gilds : the original ordinances of more than one hundred early English gilds The English Guild Method Of Learning The Internet’s Open-source Patron Saint Linux: A Bazaar At The Edge Of Chaos
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Some of the guilds in 13th
century London
Apothecaries |