Upholders at the Sheep Drive and Livery Fair on Southwark Bridge – 29 September 2024
The Upholders’ Company Fowlds Bursaries 2024
The judging panel and the Charity Trustees have awarded five Fowlds Bursaries each this year to:-
Honor Loxton-Scott a new applicant Ashbourne ACE AMUSF Stage 1 Diploma
Regine Romana a new applicant Shoreditch Design Rooms AMUSF Stage 2
Sharon Powell a new applicant London Met University AMUSF Stage 1
Amy Munford current Bursary winner St Albans Upholstery School AMUSF Stage2 having completed Stage 1
Samantha Moss current Bursary winner Horsehair & Hessian AMUSF Stage 2 having completed Stage 1
Out and About…Warden to the Trade – 21 July 2024
Wearing his Warden to the Trade hat, Senior Warden Roger Wates visited Leigh-
Anne Treadwell Founder and Creative Director of the Bristol Upholstery Collective on
Sunday 21 July 2024. His aim was to help convey the tangible benefits the Upholders
Livery can provide to training centres, to foster a sense of connectedness and to see
some great upholstery work.
His visit was well timed, their Summer Show was in full flight in a new premises on a
trading estate east of Temple Meads station. Packed with wonderful chairs in this
stimulating environment visitors were able to see and appreciate the creative and
technical talent on display. Work from students undertaking the AMUSF Diploma at
levels 1-3 in both modern and traditional work was represented in both classic and
radically contemporary fabric selections.
The Teach Team at Bristol Upholstery Collective also run adult leisure classes,
summer schools, weekend footstool making as well as an introduction to Interior
Design and numerous other creative courses.
Leigh-Anne is a regular presenter on TV working with BBC’s Money For Nothing and
David & Jay’s Touring Tool Shed. She is an outstanding contributor to raising the
profile of reupholstery and sustainability nationally and knows the great benefits
reupholstery can bring to her students locally. She stresses the positive benefits to
mental health and wellbeing from participating in the upholstery community and
when Roger left her to resume his trip to Bristol he was enriched by the fabulous
work and purpose he had witnessed.
Note: A Double Distinction AMUSF graduate from the Bristol Upholstery Collective
was selected to be at our first National Upholstery Awards at the NEC in January
earlier this year.
Derek Austin Awards for Furniture Restoration presented by the Upholders – 4 July 2024
The Worshipful Company of Upholders presented the Derek Austin Awards for Furniture Restoration on July 4th 2024 to two Graduate Diploma Students from West Dean Collage near Chichester.
The £300 awards went to:
Michael Sentance for demonstrating a high level of practical skills applied to historic objects and applying a professional approach to research, analytical work, and documentation
Melina Kachrimani who, over a short time has incorporated learned techniques and practices determinedly, being able to develop unfamiliar skills and overcome challenges to be able to apply these to work on complex projects
The awards were presented by Roger Wates, Senior Warden and Warden to the trade who was most impressed with their work in restoring and conserving 2 x walnut Country style Georgian Chairs.
The Austin Family ran a greatly valued Antique and second hand furniture business in Peckham from 1876 until 1994. The last owner Derek Austin had a passion for furniture restoration and bequeathed a legacy to the Upholders Livery Company to encourage the craft and reward outstanding work.
Installation and Dinner – 17 April 2024
Master Certificate Awards at the Mansion House 2024
Success at the National Upholstery Awards 2024
Three prizes awarded for outstanding Upholstery work.
On January 21st 2024 The Upholders Livery launched the first National Upholstery Awards for AMUSF Diploma Double Distinction Graduates at the NEC Birmingham.
It was the first time that super talented upholstery graduates from AMUSF training centres from around the Country had their work on display at a national show. Each graduate was showing a traditional and modern chair where both pieces had earned them a distinction from their training centre.
The Awards:
First prize of £500 went to Lucy Fisher for her Arne Jacobsen shell chair in boucle fabric entitled ‘Sunny side up’ Trimming was created from the selvedge and the reversible seat cushion could display the playful egg yolk! Her traditional piece a, French club chair had been beautifully reupholstered in a sustainable cork fabric.
Second Prize of £300 went to Emmaline McConnell with a beautiful Howard & Son Woodstock button back chair in their trademark fabric with an Ikea concave office chair as her modern selection, reupholstered and finished in 100% wool Moon fabric.
Third Prize £200 went to Joanna Govan Baker with a traditional scroll arm chair in Sekers and Moon wool fabrics and a 1960’s Toothill cocktail chair also in 100% wool fabric.
Many congratulations to them all for such excellent, methodical and inspiring work.
The stand presented a great opportunity to talk to the students, upholsterers, retailers and manufacturers who were at the show and to promote the work of the Upholders Livery and the AMUSF training course. Also on display were six chairs from the outstanding Frederick Parker Collection which also attracted the attention of many people and led on to broader conversations about our awards.
The event would not have been possible without the organising skills of Past President Wendy Shorter- Blake, the free stand from the January Furniture show organisers and the very generous provision of free transportation of all the chairs from around the country by Liveryman David Woodward.
Kirsty Lockwood gave a demonstration of traditional upholstery in the Exhibition Hub, and our stand was manned at various times by the Master Malcolm Hopkins, Warden to the Trade Roger Wates, Junior Warden (Elect) Stephen Tanner and his partner Nina Walker who had only recently been made a Freeman of the Company and Senior Warden Rob Ward.
The Company is extremely grateful to all who helped make this event a resounding success.
UPHOLDERS AT THE SHEEP DRIVE & LIVERY FAIR 2023 – SOUTHWARK BRIDGE
Sunday 24 September 2023
For further information about how to join the Upholders, please complete the form below:
The Master’s Charity Event 9th-18th September 2023
Here is my final blog!
It’s all over and ended very well!
Sue and I started walking on our final day at 6.50 am from Sunbury Weir and after collecting fellow walkers at three locations en route and some 17.3 miles arrived at our destination Kelmscott House in Hammersmith at 2.30pm. A white ribbon was held by Master Malcom Hopkins and René de Silva and somehow I managed to hobble through. It was a lovely welcome, thank you. My fellow walkers on the final leg were Jenni, my cousin and Rosemary Selfe from Kingston Bridge, Katy Emck (Founding director of Fine Cell Work ) from Richmond Bridge and David Woodward Upholder & PM Furniture Makers who joined us at Kew Bridge.
The highlights, as with every day, were the wonderful conversations and the shared experience of enjoying England’s mighty and longest river.
Having Katy there was a great chance to catch up on how FCW are bouncing back after the pandemic and hear about their workshop in Battersea where a good number of former prisoners work. Katy and Victoria Gillies both gave moving presentations for FCW and reinforced how much they value the Upholders’ support and what an amazing difference their work makes to participating prisoners’ lives and futures.
Yvonne Thomas CE from The Clink also amazed us with the successful training work undertaken in Horticulture and Catering to create chefs for fine dining experiences in their three prison restaurants. They also do outside catering at numerous City locations including Guildhall. The fabulous cakes provided at tea were a gift from the bakery within Brixton Prison. A livery meal there or at High Down Banstead will surely follow.
Claudia Suckling CEO of Kelmscott House provided the main presentation of the afternoon with a talk about the building and about the designs of Henry Dearle who worked with Morris and ran the business after his death. She showed us breath taking embroidery work by William Morris and May Morris his daughter and some original unused fabric of the famous Strawberry Thief design. It was a treat to see at close hand the work of one of this country’s greatest designers.
After two memorable events and over 132 miles of walking, I must thank you, fellow walkers, friends and family for your wonderful generosity in supporting The Master’s Charity event. Together we have raised over £16K for three magnificent charities and had a lot of fun along the way.
I hope to see you again soon at the next Livery events.
With many thanks
Roger
Day 8:
With just the final day to go I calculate that I have walked over 120 miles…not always in the right direction!
I forgot to say we saw the extraordinary sight on Friday of a herd of white deer as we went through the grounds of Culham court. We also passed Greenlands the former home of Mr W H smith.
With David Batchelor we were amazed by Henley and a fabulous collection of Piper boats (Dutch Style Barges ) at roughly £400K each! Towards the end of the day we reached the glorious village of Hurley and an ancient pub Ye Old Bell apparently from AD 1135 where our thirsts were suitably quenched and we said goodbye to David.
Yesterday was a family day with my brother, his wife, my cousin, his wife and another cousin’s son joining Sue and me. We saw three plaques showing flood levels in 2014, 1947 (higher) and 1894 (highest) and passed under The Sounding Arch 1838, a bridge designed by Brunel which has brick arches which are the widest and flattest in the world! Other highlights were an amazing display of Dahlias at the Taplow lock and spectacular views of Windsor Castle from the Thames Path.
Today we saw Dragon boats and an e hydroboard surfer! Our final night is at Sunbury overlooking the Thames with the sound of water at the weir wafting through the evening.
Looking forward to walking the final day ( 17.3 miles ) with Sue, Rosemary Selfe, David Woodward, Fine Cell Work and another friend before the final event at Kelmscott House. It is not too late to sponsor me…don’t forget we are raising much needed funds for the Bob Fowlds fund to support Upholstery students in financial difficulties with bursary support to cover some of their course fees. Go to: gofundme.com/f/upholders-sponsored-walk
Final Morris fun facts:
- Morris takes the biggest gamble of his life and buys 7 acres of land at Merton setting up much of his production in an idyllic rural site on the River Wandle which included letting part of the land to William De Morgan the tile maker.
- Moved to Kelmscott House, set up a loom in his bedroom and founded the Kelmscott press.
- Founded the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings in 1877 the forerunner of the National Trust.
Morris Quote: ‘History ( so called ) has remembered the Kings and warriors, because they destroyed; Art has remembered the people , because they created’
John Ruskin Quote about Morris 1887 ‘Morris is beaten gold’
Still smiling!
Peter Haworth joined for the Goring to Sonning leg and David Batchelor ( Past Master of the Turners ) from Sonning to nearly Marlow. Many thanks to both, it was a great chance to enjoy the views, see amazing properties and catch up on their Livery lives.
Fortunately pedestrians were free as we walked over Whitchurch bridge and it was a good job we weren’t driving sheep over this bridge as they were charged at 1/2 d each and every carriage of 2 wheels 2 d and the same amount again for each additional wheel!
With day 6 completed and well over 90 miles under my belt it is time to reflect on another of the charities that we are supporting.
The Clink: They provide City & Guilds training in catering to selected prisoners from 18 months prior to release. They also provide level 2 training in horticulture. With fabulous teaching prisoners can grow, prepare, cook and serve to paying guests at restaurants within certain prisons fine dining. They have been honoured with over 60 awards and now have broadened the offering to include a bakery in Brixton prison selling online and to caterers. The reduction in reoffending rates is dramatic and prisoners are helped with accommodation assistance after leaving prison. We are pleased that they will speak at tea during our event on Monday at Kelmscott House.
3 more fun facts about William Morris
- Morris learnt Islandic, visited Iceland twice, travelled through the interior by horseback and translated the Islandic Sagas into English
- Morris and his friend Burne-Jones were prolific stain glass designers and supplied hundreds of churches during the expansion of churches in the Victorian era
- The classic depiction of Mary in stain glass and women in the ‘Arts & Craft’ era were often bases on paintings of the wives Jane Morris and Lizzie Rossetti
Morris Quote:
‘The past is not dead, but is living in us, and will be alive in the future which we are now helping to make.’
Best wishes to all
Roger
I can’t believe it Day 5 already!
Hello to all who can’t be here bankside.
I’ll try and paint the scene: The Thames is now about 60-80 feet wide, swans and Canada geese are the main residents with a few ducks, there are pheasants in the fields and red kites and crows in the sky. The weather has been around 25 degrees with little rain to worry us. Narrow boats are now outnumbered by Thames cruisers and the splendid boathouses surrounding Oxford are being changed for marinas and beautiful Thames side properties.
Today I left the tow path to climb the chalk mounds of Whittenham clumps 394 feet which gave fabulous panoramic views. The lower mound Castle Hill was a Bronze Age hill fort ( circa 1,000 BC )
Now, I realise I will be scrutinised for employing alternative means of transport but as the footbridge over the weir at Benson Lock is closed a ferry has been laid on. For £2 I crossed the Thames by boat! It was lovely to be on the water and fortunately I kept my land legs!
I have now reached Goring and tomorrow I’m being joined by Peter Haworth and rejoined by Sue.
William Morris fun facts:
- Morris was also a very talented writer and poet. He turned down the offer of being Poet Laureate and Professor of Poetry at Oxford!
- During his life he designed over 40 different fabrics,46 wallpapers and 6 ceiling papers. One design Trellis was inspired by his garden at Kelmscott Manor
- Morris founds Morris & Co with several friends to produce all their work later buys them out because he is doing all the work!
Quote: ‘I do not want art for a few, any more than education for a few, or freedom for a few.’
Greetings at the end of Day 3
Amidst spectacular Cotswold stone and rustic rural scenes the ‘Kelmscott 10’ gathered on Saturday afternoon outside the entrance to William Morris’s favourite property: Kelmscott Manor. Exploring this C16 property was an utter delight. The manor house was full of original works by William, Jane and May Morris including tapestries, embroidery and furniture together with an original Bruegel painting! It was incredibly atmospheric and of little wonder that the property was so loved by them.
A drink in the Plough marked the departure of four of the group with six staying on to dinner. Thanks to Our Master Malcolm Hopkins for a most welcome round of drinks.
Day 2 After a fond farewell we said goodbye to Malcolm, Jean and Frances leaving Rob Ward Sue & Roger Wates to make steady progress downstream on the Thames path to the Trout at Tadpole bridge where we met up again with Frances and their delightful dogs Daisey & Denzel! The pub lunch on the riverbank was tranquillity itself! Now just Sue and I pushed on and saw three spectacular red kites before arriving at the Rose Revived at Newbridge one of the earliest Thames bridges. Here we met Prof. John Darby for dinner.
Day 3 John accompanied us throughout our 13.5 mile walk to Oxford. Thank you John for coming up especially to join us from Beckenham. We were also joined by a friend Matt from Streatham who cycled from the nearest train station to join us en route and swam in the Thames twice!
Now we are enjoying Oxford’s dreamy spires awaiting a well deserved curry!
William Morris Fun Facts
William rowed upstream on the Thames for a week from London with friends to reach Kelmscott Manor
He had the lease for 25 years until his death in 1896
William designed 8 fabrics naming them after tributaries of the Thames eg. Wandle and Windrush.
Onward and upward!
One Week to Go….
Greetings from the ‘training camp’ Richmond park. It has been great to step up the mileage and last week I walked two 15 miles walks on consecutive days. They went well and the amazing surroundings help pass the time. I can’t pretend that I’m not worried about blisters, feet and footwear but if the explorer Ranulph Fiennes can walk in sub-freezing conditions missing part of the soul of his foot then I’m sure the 132 miles on Thames towpath will be possible!
There is now just a week to go until the walk starts (Sunday September 10th) from Kelmscott Manor in Glos. so I would be really grateful if you would support the Master’s Charity event and sponsor the work. The fundraising site is at: gofundme.com/f/upholders-sponsored-walk
We still need to raise over £18,000 to reach our target, please give generously!
Here is just a little about the work of one of the charities we are supporting:
Fine Cell Work. The charity that runs tapestry and stitching training for long term prisoners to assist with reemployment and mental health. https://finecellwork.co.uk Top quality tapestry work is made into beautiful cushions, footstools and bags which are sold online and at pop up venues. Founding Director Katy Emck and Development Manager Vani Krishnaswamy from FCW will join us for the final leg of the walk to Kelmscott House at Hammersmith where Katy will give a short talk at tea. There are still some places for the afternoon tour here on Monday 18th Sept at 2.30pm. The charity helps prisoners after release from prison and the rate of recidivism is reduced as a result of their work. Prisoners greatly value a payment for their work.
William Morris Quote of the day from 1880 : ‘ Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful’
Behind this quote to an audience in Birmingham was a passion to celebrate honest craft work.
Fun Facts about William Morris
· Meets Burn-Jones at Oxford and aged 21 makes a trip to France where he visits 9 Cathedrals and 24 Churches!
· Studies Theology then rejects the priesthood, studies architecture then rejects the profession, then becomes a painter…but can’t paint people very well! Meets Rossetti and obtains commission to paint the Oxford Union Debating Chamber!
· Morris falls in love with Jane Burdon and they marry (William aged 25 Jane 19 )and they commission Philip Webb to build The Red House in1860 at Bexley Heath.
Junior Warden Roger Wates is in full training mode ready for the sponsored walk “In William Morris’ Footsteps”.
He has sent us a video from one of his training walks around Richmond Park.
If you would like to sponsor Roger, you can visit his GoFundMe page Click here
or by cheque or bank transfer.
Roger is encouraging as many of us as posisble to join him on his adventure; Sunday 9th to Monday 18th September
(For detailed information – Cick here)
Gareth Rees, Master Upholster award
Congratulations on receiving your Master Upholsterer award from the Worshipful Company of Upholders. How do you feel about this accomplishment?
I must admit, I’m overwhelmed. Despite knowing well in advance that I would be receiving the award, the significance of it still hasn’t fully sunk in. The feeling is quite surreal.
When were you presented with the award?
The award ceremony took place at the end of March, although I was officially notified just before the Christmas holidays.
Did you share the news of your achievement with anyone?
Absolutely! My immediate family and the students here had a sense that something special was happening. While I didn’t make a public announcement about winning, a few people were aware of it.
Were you familiar with the award before being nominated?
Yes, I was aware of the award through several members of the Guild of Traditional Upholsterers who had received it. Individuals like David, James, Bruce Jack, and others whom I deeply admired throughout my career and still do. To be a recipient of this award alongside people like that is strange to say the least.
Was the application process challenging?
Well, not particularly. After Kirsty had formally nominated me and convinced me to fill in the application, I was given a list of requirements. Although, I had never written a CV before, so that was a new experience for me. Crafting a personal statement, reflecting on my entire journey, was also something I had never done before. That part proved to be the most difficult since I’m not generally happy talking about myself. Gaining references from customers and providing examples of my work was very easy. And, naturally, I found myself racing against the clock to complete everything just before the submission deadline. I suppose that’s normal, isn’t it?
How did you find out that you had been awarded the Master Certificate?
I actually missed a call from Roger Wates, the Warden to the Trade, as I was teaching at the time. So, I promptly returned his call and he informed me of my achievement. He congratulated me, and I was immensely grateful.
What was your initial reaction upon receiving the news?
I couldn’t help but break into a wide smile, embarrassingly I shouted an expletive somewhat loudly. When I re-entered the classroom, my students could tell that something had happened. I had to share the news with them, and they were the first to find out because my joy was difficult to conceal. Shortly after, I called my partner Emma to share the incredible news with her.
Where did the Award Ceremony take place?
The ceremony was held at Mansion House in London, specifically in the Egyptian room. It began quite early, around 10:30 in the morning, and lasted for approximately three hours. I must say, it was quite a grown up and sophisticated affair, getting dressed up for the occasion and attending with Emma. Other members of the Upholders were also present, Jackie (the then Master), Wendy (the past master), Roger (Warden to the trade) and Rosemary (The Clerk).
Is your son proud of your accomplishment?
My son Eirwyn, at the time, expressed his pride, but naturally, he is more preoccupied with his Nintendo Switch or watching The Simpsons.
How would you describe the award ceremony?
To say it was grand would be an understatement. Hundreds of people attended the ceremony, and I wasn’t the only one receiving an award. The Upholders also presented another Master Certificate to Jeremy Fields OBE, who represents the funeral director trade. Jeremy and I sat next to each other during the event. Various individuals from different trades, including apprentices, journeymen, and those recognized by their respective companies as having reached significant milestones in their careers, were present. It was a delightful celebration of craftsmanship and trade.
Do you anticipate any impact on your career, as a result of this achievement?
I cannot say for certain. Only time will tell. In terms of my day-to-day work, nothing has changed. However, this is a tremendous accomplishment for our school as we are the only training facility with not just one, but two recipients of the award, being Greg and myself. I haven’t focused much on how it will benefit my career and future. I have primarily been reflecting on the personal significance it holds for me.
And how has it personally affected you?
Well, you see, I haven’t received many certificates throughout my life or any formal recognition. Most of my time has been spent working on the bench and now teaching. Being acknowledged by a group of my peers, having them recognise the value of my work and its impact on others, brings me immense joy. One of the most rewarding aspects of receiving this award has been the heartfelt feedback I received from people I know and even those I don’t. The private messages, public messages on social media, emails, and phone calls—those individuals were genuinely happy for me. They believed I was deserving of this recognition, and that means a lot.
Where have you displayed your certificate?
Currently, it sits next to me on the printer at work. I don’t feel the need to showcase it to everyone by putting it where all can see. It’s not about being humble or anything like that. Having it nearby serves as a personal reminder. When I catch a glimpse of it, it reinforces the notion that even on challenging days when everything seems to be going wrong, there are people who appreciate and value the work I do. I also see it as a huge thanks to all those that have helped me throughout my career.
Do you have any advice for individuals who may be nominated for similar awards in the future?
I would encourage them to seize the opportunity and go for it wholeheartedly. Perhaps the advice should also be directed at those nominating others. I believe more people should be nominated. Everyone has an individual who has influenced them, guided them in their journey, or inspired them with their own work. This award exists precisely for recognizing individuals who have made a difference in other people’s lives or dedicated their entire careers to their craft to the best of their abilities. If you believe someone is worthy of such recognition, nominate them. Even if they don’t win, the mere act of being nominated brings great pleasure and serves as a testament to their impact.
Thank you, Gareth, for taking the time to speak with me, and once again, congratulations on your remarkable achievement.
Upholders’ Aprons and Umbrellas for Sale
As the Company prepares for the Lord Mayor’s Show on Saturday 13 November, we do have a few very smart Upholders’ aprons and umbrellas left for sale at £30 each. The Master looks very fetching in her apron and carrying her umbrella!
These items are essential as we settle down to home-made cooking and the return of autumnal rainy days.
Please email the Clerk if you would like to make a purchase.
Non Aldermanic Sheriff – information for Liverymen considering standing for election to the role
Documents approved at Common Hall on 24 June 2021 regarding the role, commitment, experience, knowledge, skills and qualities envisaged for future candidates for the role of Non Aldermanic Sheriff have been published.
Please click the link below for details:
Non Aldermanic job description etc approved by Common Hall 24.06.21
The Field of the Cloth of Gold – an Upholders Zoom lecture by Jo Mabbutt
Throughout the enforced “lockdown” the Upholders have been keeping busy with a series of Zoom lectures, and on Thursday 11th March we were treated to a fascinating talk by Jo Mabbutt about this spectacular pageant from 500 years ago, whose show of ostentatious wealth has never been equalled.
Jo’s research gave insights into the logistics behind the building of a temporary palace at the event and was driven by her interest as a Painter Stainer in the role of Alderman Sir John Browne, a Master Painter Stainer and Serjeant Painter to Henry’s Court. As a consequence she has amassed a wealth of information that is relevant to a number of other Livery Companies. Whilst our own records of that period have been destroyed, it is inconceivable that our Company did not have some representation given the need for upholstered furnishings and tents.
Ostensibly a summit between two Kings – Henry VIII of England and François I of France – to cement a treaty from 1514, it was an 18 day festival of chivalry and consumption on an almost unimaginable scale for the age. The English built a temporary “Palace” of brick, wood and painted fabric that together with supporting tented village covered an area that was equivalent to the size of Norwich, at that time England’s second largest City.
The event takes its name from the volume of Cloth of Gold that was used to decorate the Palaces and the nobles. This is an extremely expensive fabric woven in Florence (the equivalent price would be £1,300 per metre); in addition there were great quantities of silk, damask, velvet and other richly decorated fabrics used.
In addition to Liverymen and guests in the audience we were fortunate to have Dr Ian Wingfield, a descendant of noblemen who were actually present at the event in 1520. His ancestors Sir Richard Wingfield and Sir Robert Wingfield were Ambassadors to the French and Holy Roman Courts respectively. In a further connection to the Upholders our last Hall at St Peter’s Hill (destroyed in the Great Fire) was Wingfield House.
As a footnote it is hoped that the Exhibition to celebrate the quincentenary of the pageant will be held at Hampton Court Palace between 19 May and 5 September 2021.
Court Assistant Rob Ward 12.3.21
The Worshipful Company of Upholders were delighted to install our 637th Master on Tuesday 15th September in a carefully planned ceremony in the City of London. Congratulations to Mrs Wendy Shorter-Blake MBE, who will serve as Master until April 2022, supported by Senior Warden Mrs Jackie Williams and Junior Warden Malcolm Hopkins FAMU.
15 July 2020
All Liverymen are encouraged to read the latest edition of Livery Briefing – July 2020 as it contains valuable information on how the City is coping with the ongoing situation, and what is happening with events and charities. There are invitations for Liverymen to contribute in practical ways to the efforts to support charity.
15 July 2020
Upholders Liverymen – Register now for History Society Webinar: Talk, Tales and Q&A on the subject of ‘My East End’ Wednesday 22 July at 6pm
Entries for the London History Quiz closed on 5 July and the results are awaited in the July issue of Upholders News… thank you to the Liverymen & Freemen who took up the challenge!
28 May 2020
Look out later this week for Upbraid 23, plus the May newsletter from the Marketing and Communications Committee, soon available in the Members’ area.
Fine Cell Work
In 2018 the Master Upholder encouraged our Livery and Charities to support Fine Cell Work. Fine Cell Work is a charity which makes beautiful handmade products in British prisons. Teaching prisoners high-quality needlework boosts their self-worth, instills self-discipline, fosters hope and encourages them to lead independent, crime-free lives.
Since then one of our Court Assistants has led a series of workshops for this Charity and has taught one of the students to lead the sessions. Between them they have produced a number of footstools, like the one below. These are available to purchase in support of the charity. More examples of the craftsmanship can be found at: https://finecellwork.co.uk/collections/homeware
Adjudication for the 2019 Usher Travel Bursary has taken place and all applicants will shortly receive a letter confirming the outcome.
The Installation of the new Master & Wardens will take place on 9 April 2019. All Liverymen attending the dinner will receive a Master’s pocket Events Calendar, which will be sent to all Liverymen and Freemen in the weeks following the event.
Please note one new date to add is Monday 18 November 2019 – Evening for more recently clothed Liverymen and new enquirers.
The History Society recently visited the Conservation department of the British Library. Look out for the write-up of this fascinating visit, available soon.
The Installation of the Master and Wardens for 2018-19 took place at Stationers’ Hall on Tuesday 17 April. Master Tim Solway was supported by Senior Warden Anthony Demby and Junior Warden Mrs Wendy Shorter-Blake FAMU, who gave the speech of welcome to the guests. The 177 guests were welcomed by Guardsmen from the Pikemen & Musketeers and musical entertainment was provided by Richard Exall and Amy Roberts. The Upholders’ banner was carried by our newest Liveryman who was clothed during the Court meeting before the dinner. The Speaker was David Stringer-Lamarre who gave the Toast to the Company and was presented with an Upholders’ Cushion by the Master. Thanks to Toastmaster for the evening Roy Theobald FAMU and Beadle Phillip Chancellor RVM, not forgetting special thanks to Immediate Past Master Mrs Judy Tayler-Smith for a superb year in office representing the Upholders around the City and in Trade events in Lincoln, Salisbury and Hatfield as well as at our Sea Cadets in Chelmsford to launch a new rescue boat provided by the Upholders’ charities.
We are grateful to Peter Holland for his superb photographs of this event, soon to be available in the Members’ area of the website. S Nevard
Master’s Court Dinner at Dyers’ Hall, Thursday 22 March 2018
Photographs courtesy of Past Master Christopher Hayman and with Swanette dancers from https://hire-a-dancer.com/
On Thursday 22 March, 42 members of the Court and their guests attended the Master’s Court Dinner at Dyers’ Hall, where we were welcomed by a pair of swans – one black and one white – most appropriate for the Dyers’ Company!*
Although in most years this is an event for Court members and their Consorts only, this year we were pleased to welcome as Guests of Honour of the Company Margaret and Charles Cowling, widow and son of our late Chaplain the Revd John Cowling.
The food was exceptionally good and greatly enjoyed by all, as was the dancing of the ‘Swanettes’, accompanied on the piano by James Hall, who also entertained us during the dinner.
Written by Past Master & Father of the Company Alan Kinsey
*Representatives from the Dyers and Vintners Companies, travelling in traditional rowing skiffs along with the Royal Swan Uppers dressed in the scarlet uniform of Her Majesty the Queen, participate in the activity of Swan Upping which takes place annually on the River Thames. Swan Upping plays an important role in the conservation of the Mute Swan as cygnets are counted, weighed and their health is assessed.
Church Service Dinner at Armourers’ Hall, Tuesday 20th February 2018
The three tenets of City of London Livery Companies – Fellowship, Charity and Education – were well addressed at Master Judy Tayler-Smith’s last Livery Dinner of her year in office, which was a resounding success.
After our Annual Church Service of Evensong at St Michael’s Cornhill, beautifully sung under the directorship of Jonathan Rennert, we retired to Armourers’ Hall for a sumptuous four course dinner, preceded by drinks and rounded off by a stirrup cup.
We will all have our own personal memories of the evening, but “Fellowship” for me came in the form of the very many conversations with both new and established acquaintances. As a choral singer, it was very interesting to learn about the history of the music sung at the service from the Director of Music. But, there were many more conversations. These included one with a Brother of Charthouse and Past Master Lightmonger, Walter Balmford, guest of Past Master Michael Gilham. Walter is hoping to fly in a spitfire on his forthcoming “very significant” birthday and is so looking forward to it. Also particularly memorable was meeting John Allen, personal guest of our Clerk. John is the 5x great grandson of a former Master Upholder and is himself Clerk to the Gunmakers Company.
“Charity” was a generous donation to the Saint Francis Hospice and “Education” came when Alderman Peter Hewitt JP replied on behalf of the guests in an entertaining and highly informative account of the inner working of the City from an Alderman’s perspective. It was interesting to gain an insight into the variation in the makeup of each Ward’s constituents, learn who is entitled to vote at Aldermanic elections, and how Aldermen have to juggle supporting the interests of both residents and city businesses.
Very many thanks from everyone who came to the dinner to the Master and the Clerk for all their hard work behind the scenes. Dr Christine M Booth, Liveryman
The Master Upholder at the launch of City Giving Day
If you have recently been clothed in the Livery, or if you have been a Liveryman for several years but have not had the opportunity to attend, you are encouraged to book into a City Briefing at Guildhall.
http://www.liverycommitteecourses.org/city-briefings.php
They give a short introduction to the work of the Corporation, especially the relationship with the livery companies. Partners are welcome and there are refreshments afterwards and the chance to mix with members from other Liveries. The 2018 courses will take place on Wed 7 Feb, Mon 21 May, Mon 8 Oct and Tues 20 November.
The Installation of the Master and Wardens for 2017-18 took place on Wednesday 26 April at Saddlers’ Hall. 135 guests attended the celebration where Alderman John Garbutt JP was the Speaker and musical entertainment was by soprano Jennifer Witton and pianist Gavin Roberts appearing by permission of the Principal, GSMD.
Mr Tim Solway (left), Senior Warden, and Mr Anthony Demby, Junior Warden, pictured with the Master Mrs Judy Tayler-Smith.
Photo courtesy of P E Holland Photographic Services
Results of Common Hall Election for the year 2017-18, held at Innholders’ Hall, 11.1.17:
Master: Mrs Judy Tayler-Smith
Senior Warden: Mr Tim Solway
Junior Warden: Mr Anthony Demby
As Mr Steven Dollond (Junior Warden 2016/17) is not progressing further at the present time, the Master thanked him for his hard work developing the new Rules and his energy in tackling some issues challenging the Company.
Before the Election took place, Common Hall voted to adopt the new Rules of January 2017.
We are pleased to report news from the Chelmsford Sea Cadet Unit we support:
Congratulations to Cdt Sgt Alfie of TS Upholder, who was announced in December as the winner of the Halliday Trophy, the national Sea Cadet Award given annually to the Cadet with the best result at the RMC Cadet Corporal to Sergeant exams.
Results of Election for the year 2016/7
Master: J Anthony (Tony) Lofts
Senior Warden: Judy Tayler-Smith
Junior Warden: Steven Dollond
The Master thanked Mr Graham White (Senior Warden 2015/6) for his service to the company as he has decided he is unable to progress further.
The Worshipful Company of Upholders of the City of London 