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106 Years Young: A Life of Gold Leaf and Kings
7 Mar
Summary
- Betty Wherry celebrated her 106th birthday.
- She worked on coronation ware for two kings.
- Wherry attributes her long, happy life to hard work.
Betty Wherry, a centenarian gilder, recently marked her 106th birthday, celebrating with friends at a care home in Nottinghamshire. Her career began as a 14-year-old apprentice at Royal Crown Derby in 1934, where she honed her skills in applying gold leaf.
During her 50-year tenure, Wherry contributed to significant royal events, gilding celebratory items for the coronations of both Edward VIII and George VI. Her distinctive mark of two small dots remains a testament to her craftsmanship on surviving pieces from the renowned porcelain manufacturer.
After a period during World War Two in aircraft manufacturing, Wherry returned to Royal Crown Derby in 1945 to establish a new training school for gilders. She later transitioned to an assistant museum curator role before retiring in 1984. Wherry attributes her fulfilling life and longevity to hard work.
