Coat of Arms of Robin, Baron Butler of Brockwell (T-Shirt Design)
This t-shirt showcases the full coat of arms of Robin Butler, Baron Butler of Brockwell, a distinguished figure in British public service.
The Shield (Escutcheon)
The central element of the design is the shield, featuring a striking blue background (Azure) upon which a gold (Or) cross with floriated ends (a "cross flory") is prominently displayed. In each of the four quarters created by the cross, a silver/white (Argent) covered cup (goblet) with its base pointing inwards is depicted. This design, in part, references the traditional heraldic symbols of the "Butler" family, and the cross represents the University College, Oxford where he studied.
Crest
Above the shield, the crest presents a unique visual: a half-badger (demi-badger) emerging from a well. The badger is rendered in blue (Azure) with a silver/white (Argent) head and blue stripes, a pun on “Brockwell,” the designation in his barony title ("brock" being the old word for badger).
Mantling / Torse
The design also includes the decorative drapery around the helm known as the mantling, represented in the colors gold (Or) and blue (Azure), which are the primary colors of the shield.
Supporters
Flanking the shield are two silver/white (Argent) lions, with blue claws and tongues. These lions, known as "supporters," are each holding in their interior forepaw a medieval ship, or lymphad, with flags flying in gold (Or). The lions symbolize strength and service, and the lymphads suggest a reference to journey, governance, or maritime heritage.
Badge
A smaller design element featured on the shirt is the badge, which consists of a stylized bird, called a martlet, in blue (Azure), with a beak enfiling a gold (Or) coronet. The martlet, similar to the cross, is a reference to University College, Oxford, where Robin Butler studied.
Motto
The design is completed by the motto, "SERVIRE ET SERVARE", which provides context for the symbolism, roughly meaning “To serve and to preserve / maintain.”
