Power and beauty: seals, charters and the story of identity

In a world before chip and PIN royal seals and legal charters reigned supreme in matters of personal identity and the expression of power.

This autumn journey through 800 years from the Royal College of Physicians' collections revealing an epic story of magisterial authority and symbolism. Discover the significance, complexity and exquisite beauty contained in seals of rulers all the way from King John to our own Elizabeth II.

For centuries intricate and often beguiling wax seals have kept important documents secure, confidential and confirmed the identity of those who approved their contents, while representing the importance and supreme authority of the sovereign. Through extensive displays dating back to the height of the mediaeval world, this exhibition unpicks the rich symbolism of seals and the role the documents they gave power to have played in shaping the College and the wider world.

Taking centre stage in this, the eight hundredth anniversary year of the Magna Carta, is a tantalizing fragment of the Great Seal of King John himself. This remarkable object eloquently depicts the King enthroned on one side, mounted on horseback on the other, identical in every way to the seal used to authenticate the Magna Carta. It is shown alongside a document sealed by King John that has never before been on public display.

Among other astonishing artefacts are the Royal College of Physicians’ founding charter of 1518 approved by King Henry VIII, along with his Great Seal legalizing the charter and another document bearing the formal signature of Elizabeth I.

From our own age consumed by image and the politics of identity, this exhibition allows us to take the long view across time to understand how in seals and charters power and beauty have come together to shape history itself.