The Order collections
These collections are extremely varied, covering all aspects of
the history of an Order founded in the 11th century and operating
in most European countries.
There are archaeological finds, architectural fragments and
social history material relating to the Priory site; seals and
numismatics, including an important collection of crusader coins;
arms and armour, mainly European plated armour but also an example
of Turkish Ottoman mail; drug jars, mortars and weights from the
Hospitallers’ pharmacy in Malta; decorative arts (portrait medals,
ceramics, glass, silver, furniture, jewellery, insignia, textiles,
ecclesiastical vestments) reflecting the tastes of the European
aristocratic families who joined the Order and became significant
patrons of the arts.
The
painting collection includes religious art, particularly images of
the patron saint of the Order, St John the Baptist, portraits of
grand masters, knights and clergy, sea and landscapes, depicting
naval battles and views of Malta; prints and drawings include
portraits of the knights, topographical views and maps showing the
famous fortifications on their island homes, as well as prints of
the English Priory and the surrounding area of
Clerkenwell.
Catalogues
Findlater, J. and Willis, P. (1990), Silver at St John’s Gate,
Maltese and other Silver in the Collection of the Museum of the
Order of St John, London, The Order of St John.
Mason, R. and Willis, P. (1989), Maps of Malta in the Museum of
the Order of St John, London, St John Supplies.
Toffolo, J. (1988), Image of a Knight, Portrait Prints and
Drawings of the Knights of St John in the Museum of the Order of St
John, London, The Order of St John.
Dyer, S. (1984) Malta Views : A catalogue of Topographical
Prints and Drawings in the Museum of the Order of St. John, London,
The Order of St. John.