Roger Wates – Master April 2025-2026
Following an upbringing in Surrey, Roger attended Stirling University where he developed a love of all things Scottish. After 3 years in Commercial Management with Marks & Spencer and a wonderful time in Peru doing voluntary work in 1985, he joined the family furnishing business E & A Wates with three shops, a removals department and a furniture restoration workshop which was established in Streatham in 1900.
Roger became Joint Managing Director in 1990. He expanded the furniture restoration and soft furnishing work by purchasing a subsidiary company in Bermondsey in 1993. His company exhibited major brands at the Ideal Home Exhibition for 12 years and over 30 times at the Decorative Fair in Battersea Park where they demonstrated their restoration work.
The company developed its interior design work and provided restoration and soft furnishing work to Embassies, Galleries, Museums, Parliament and Corporates including many overseas projects and was privileged to restore fabulous furniture and create beautiful interiors.
Roger closed the business in 2021. Outside work he had a 20 year involvement in youth work becoming Chair of Streatham Youth & Community Trust. He enjoys the Oasis Church in Waterloo and travelling with his wife Sue on wildlife and cultural trips to interesting countries. They set out from their wedding reception on a tandem which they still have today. More recently Roger qualified as a London Guide and is a member of Streatham Choral Society where he enjoys singing on tour and at other prestigious locations. Roger is looking forward to abseiling down one of the City of London skyscrapers following a spot of wing-walking for an Upholders’ Charity event.
He joined the Upholders’ Company in 2019, served on the Trade & Education Committee becoming Warden to the Trade in 2021. He is passionate about the trades the Company supports and enjoys playing his part in helping them flourish.
The Worshipful Company of Upholders of the City of London 