The Provincial banner was found on top of a display case in the museum of Lodge Scoon and Perth No.3 back in 2012 and no-one either belonging to No.3 or Provincial had any idea of its existence.  It can only be assumed that it had rested there probably since No.3 moved to these Lodge rooms in 1932 as there had been an agreement between No.3 and Provincial that Provincial trophies, consecration vessels and other items could be stored at No.3.

The Local museum in Perth was amazed at its condition considering an estimated date of circa 1850.  They suggested that I contact the Scottish Conservation Studio at Hopetoun House South Queensferry for a more detailed examination.

This was done and I took the banner down to South Queensferry. The lady who was the costume and textile expert started to examine the banner and in introducing herself said that her name was Tuula Pardoe.  I asked what part of Finland was she from and her immediate reaction was how do you know that I am Finnish.  The simple answer was that I had done a considerable amount of work on behalf of the Finnish Board of Navigation with their new design of Ice Breakers and I got to know names but not the language and your name fits in.  She then asked where about in Finland did I visit and told her Helsinki for the head office and then a place called Porvoo for the vessels but did not see much of the town as it was in the middle of winter and I was there to join the vessels and see the vessels in operation.  She just stopped what she was doing and said that Porvoo was her home town and was amazed at the fact that here was someone who knew where it was.  It is a small world.

Enough of that.

After her assessment I received a quote for repair and the Lodges of the Province supported the appeal and the necessary repairs carried out.

The banner is single sided six layer swallow tailed and tongue shaped banner with a central field of medium weight beige plain weave fabric on its face.  Both fabrics have a cotton warp and wool weft.  The beige central field has a painted design of Masonic motifs and swags.  The painting is in oil based paints and gildings.

The main problems with the banner were creases from past use and being stored wrongly ( wound up inside out).  Considerably soiled.  A few points of damage from insect larvae and a few where the damage has worn through the fabric.