This striking mid-fifteenth century set of pen, ink and watercolour drawings shows the Aldermen of the City of London that were in the mayoralty of Sir Thomas Olney (1446-47). An alderman was a senior citizen elected to represent a ward (district) of the city. Each one stands holding a shield bearing his personal arms, while a scroll records his name above. The left hand of each rests on a large tablet bearing the arms of previous officers of the relevant ward, and the entire tablet is fitted with a nail, as though ready to be hung on a wall.

The outlines of the figures have been pounced, or pricked through, so that they can be copied from one sheet to the next; they are more heraldic records than attempts at accurate portraiture. Almost every alderman wears a pink cloak with plaid lining, seemingly the formal mantle of office at this period. The drawings are thought to be the work of Roger Leigh, Clarenceux King of Arms (one of the senior English heralds) between 1435 and 1460, and may have been produced in connection with a scheme for panelling, hangings or other decorations within the Guildhall precinct.

For many years the drawings of aldermen were part of the Wriothesley heraldic collection. Sir Thomas Wriothesley (c.1460-1534) was an officer of arms at the College of Arms in London. Between 1505 and his death in 1534 he served as Garter King of Arms and compiled many books and rolls of arms, pedigree and precedence. At one time they are believed to have been part of a Heralds' Roll of Arms, sometimes known as Sir Thomas Holmes' Book.