The Brotherhood of Blackheads was one of the mightiest associations in medieval Tallinn. It joined unmarried merchants and foreign traders living in Tallinn. The Brotherhood was first mentioned in written sources in 1400 AD. The Blackheads had an obligation to defend the town and one of their important duties was to escort the visiting dignitaries. A rich collection of religious as well as secular objects and a unique gallery of state portraits, dating from 17th to early 20th century, bare witness to the Blackheads’ traditions and importance in the life of the city. Have a look at the virtual exhibit presenting a part of their heritage in our collection on the Google arts & Culture platform.