Page 54 - Amo Amass A-muse is some of the fruit of a lifetimes love of Freemasonry - the Lodge of Nine Muses No. 235

54 Amo Amass A-Muse - Lodge of the Nine Muses

There is evidence to show that these Concerts were organised by the Lodge of
the Nine Muses, now No. 235, then reaching the height of its power and importance
in London under the Premier Grand Lodge. No doubt, W.Brother Bartholomew
Ruspini, the Institutor of the R.M.I.G. in 1788, who was probably the R.W.M. of
this Lodge at this time, was behind the idea. On 27th July, 1782, Brother Ruspini
applied for the use of the Hall for the ensuing winter, and on 23rd January 1783,
Bro. Leonhardi gave details on behalf of several of the most eminent of the musical
profession for the use of the Hall for nine nights. W.Bro. John Hull, a prominent
member of the Hall Committee had been the founding R.W.M. of this Lodge. (Hall
committee minutes). The Money collected at these concerts was probably in aid of the
Hall Fund. This Lodge, together with Nine of its Members, although only warranted
in 1777, were amongst the first to obtain the ‘Hall Medal’.
No one of the name of F. Bartoli had been found amongst contemporary Artists
or Engravers and it is suggested that this is an error for F. Bartolozzi engraver to
King George III, and a great personal friend of J.G.B. Cipriani. Between them, they
designed and engraved the illustrations to Noorthouck’s 1784 edition of the Book
of Constitutions. Bartolozzi was presented with a Hall Medal for his work in this
connection and Cipriani, no doubt, would have been presented with one had he not
died the following Year in 1785. Both were original members of the Royal Academy.
Cipriani was the first candidate of the Lodge of the Nine Muses, being raised on 23rd
January 1777, whilst Bartolozzi was made a Mason soon afterwards on 13th February
1777. In the National Portrait Gallery there is a delightful painting of three friends,
Cipriani, Bartolozzi and A. Carlini, the Sculptor, another Academician, who joined
the Nine Muses in February 1778.
The design of this concert ticket clearly depicts Appolo, the Sun God, and
conductor of the Muses in his glory. The head, typical of Cipriani’s work, is a much
refined edition of the crude eyes, nose and mouth so often seen on Masonic Emblems
of the Sun. He radiates his beauty through a simple triangle of truth. Although
Ruspini was at this time the Grand Director of Ceremonies in the Royal Arch and a
Past Grand 1st Principal, the triangle is unlikely to have a hidden Masonic meaning.
It should be noted, however, that the square of Three is Nine, which number here
continually repeats itself.