Rathbone casket

Silver and ebony, 1861-1862, made by Joseph Mayer. This casket has strong links with Liverpool; it was made by Joseph Mayer, a Liverpool goldsmith with a shop at 68 Lord Street, for the Golden Wedding anniversary in 1862 of local philanthropists William and Elizabeth Rathbone. Merchant, Liberal councillor, and Lord Mayor of Liverpool, William Rathbone V fought for many causes: Roman Catholic emancipation, parliamentary reform, municipal reform, freedom of the West Indian slaves, the repeal of the corn laws, the penny postage scheme, and national education. His wife Elizabeth was secretary to Liverpool's Bible Society, and was influential in the movement to reform standards in Liverpool Corporation Schools.