3-087-034 - Ware in the World/Heritage Images

Waiters, Lloyds, London, c1955. Lloyd's of London began in about 1689 in Lloyd's Coffee House, owned by Edward Lloyd. The waiters that Edward Lloyd had hired to serve coffee soon began supporting the emerging insurance market, distributing messages and information among the customers. Waiters still play an important role at Lloyd's today. Wearing the unmistakable red or blue uniforms, they act as sources of information in the Underwriting Room, call out names of brokers with messages waiting for them, and preserve centuries-old Lloyd's traditions including ringing the Lutine Bell and writing in the loss book. Most of Lloyd's business is transacted in the expansive central Underwriting Room, known simply as 'The Room'. Sign reads: 'This room is private and for the use of members, subscribers, associates & substitutes only'.