Frontispiece from The Builder's Jewel, or, The Youth's Instructor…, 1763 Batty Langley (1696–1751), author Thomas Langley (1702-1751), artist and engraver C. and R. Ware, printers London, England Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, RARE 52 .L283 1763 c.1

Writer and gardener Batty Langley first published a guide for carpenters, The Builder’s Jewel, in 1741. The frontispiece, engraved by his brother, featured many Masonic symbols including the sun and moon, columns, the layout of a lodge room and symbolic tools. Published in multiple editions, The Builder’s Jewel reached many readers. Several craftsmen used the frontispiece of the work as their inspiration for furniture, jewels and aprons made for Masonic clients.