Gilder who worked on coronations marks 106th birthday

A gilder who worked on celebratory items for the coronation of two kings has been marking her 106th birthday.

Betty Wherry started at Royal Crown Derby on 4 June 1934 as a 14-year-old apprentice gilder, with highlights in her 50-year career including working on coronation ware for both Edward VIII and George VI.

Raised in Derby, she enjoyed her latest birthday "with good friends and a glass of sherry" at Field House care home in Radcliffe-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire.

She said she has had "a wonderful life" and added "the secret to living a long and happy life is simply working hard".

Gilding is the process of applying extremely thin sheets of gold, called gold leaf, to a surface, such a wood, metal and glass.

Starting out as an apprentice, Wherry worked 54 hours a week, first practising with paint before progressing to using gold.

Her characteristic mark of two small dots can still be found on surviving pieces from one of the oldest remaining porcelain manufacturers, Royal Crown Derby.

During World War Two, Wherry was directed into aircraft manufacturing before returning to Royal Crown Derby in 1945 to establish a new training school for gilders.

She became an assistant museum curator in the 70s before she retired in 1984 after 50 years of service.

Wherry said: "I've had a wonderful life. I grew up in Derby and spent a lot of time with my grandad.

"When I was older, I began my career with the Royal Crown Derby and loved seeing the world, and I would say the secret to living a long and happy life is simply working hard."

When she found out King Charles III had sent her a birthday card she said: "Oh wow."

Lucy Atkinson, co-owner of Church Farm Care, which owns Field House, paid tribute to Betty after she celebrated her birthday.

"Betty is such a wonderful person and her exciting story is one we have loved celebrating here," she said.

"We feel such an immense sense of pride when we look back at her life and cherish every day with her."

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