A Guide for Members

A GUIDE FOR MEMBERS

Furniture Makers’

There are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t yet met.

W. B. Yeats

FOREWORD BY THE MASTER

Dear freemen and liverymen,

It is a pleasure to welcome you to our livery company and this booklet It has been published to explain our organisation to you and to make the livery and charity more accessible� Through knowledge lies strength and although we hope this booklet gives an insight, other members of the Company and the Court are only too happy to help should you require additional information�

The livery, above all, is for all our industry to enjoy, and although we work hard to put back into an industry which is giving or has given us worthwhile careers, it is also there to be enjoyed and to make friends�

It has been a privilege for me to serve our Company as Master and to know that I have represented our industry at the highest level, with pride and purpose

Anthony J W Attard OBE DL Master 2022 -2023

The Master’s Badge presented by Sir Herman Lebus, Master 1954

A MODERN LIVERY COMPANY

The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers is a unique organisation serving and representing the furniture and furnishing industry

This booklet is addressed to all members of the Company� Its purpose is to give an outline of The Furniture Makers’ Company, its history, objectives, customs, activities, and its role in the City of London and the furniture and furnishing industry�

As a City livery company, the Company taps into 900 years of history and the emergence of the global trade from which we benefit today

In the 12th century, as specific trades started to develop, so tradesmen around the City of London began to form guilds, grouping together to regulate competition within their trade and maintain high moral and quality standards� Such guilds controlled the manufacture and selling of goods and services in the City, or the Square Mile as it is called They sought to guarantee that a member was trustworthy and fully qualified and that goods they produced were of reputable quality; this two-fold aim being to protect both the public and the guild members from unscrupulous individuals Many of these guilds adopted a common hierarchy, headed by a Master, governed by a Court

Guests at an Installation Dinner enjoying the ceremony of the Loving Cup

and becoming incorporated under Royal Charter� The distinctive clothing and regalia led to their being referred to as livery companies�

Over the years the City of London has evolved to a prominent position� Its worldwide reputation in finance, regulation and law is built on its history, and the part played by the work of its livery companies Although the London of today is unrecognisable from that where those first stirrings of formal trades occurred, the legacy and the liveries themselves live on�

A walk around the City today will reveal tall, modern buildings, but interspersed between these 21st century monoliths the sharp-eyed will see the many ancient and beautiful livery halls which makes the Square Mile such an interesting and fascinating place�

Today’s livery companies continue to have influence in the City of London, and their liverymen retain the rights to elect the Sheriffs and to influence the election of the Lord Mayor�

All liverymen have been granted the Freedom of the City of London, an ancient form of status as a ‘free man’ or ‘citizen’�

its workforce, past and present, who have fallen on hard times� But it’s not just about charitable aims and giving back� Members enjoy the camaraderie and friendship that comes from being together with likeminded people from the industry

By becoming a freeman and then a liveryman, members are not joining a trade association but being admitted to a unique organisation with links to 900 years of history and a role in the governance of one of the most successful and influential cities in the world� To be a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers is an honour of which one can be proud�

More detailed information is available in the Company’s own archives, publications and website, together with the easily accessible publications of the City of London Corporation, regarding the City’s history and significance

A list of reference material is included at the end of this booklet�

Like most livery companies, the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers now has charity at its heart It uses its position of influence and stature to support the UK furnishing industry and to aid those from

THE HISTORY OF THE COMPANY

The Furniture Makers’ Company is the furnishing industry’s charity as well as being one of 110 livery companies of the City of London

After its original formation as the Furniture Makers’ Guild in 1951, the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers (WCFM) was established on 29 March 1963 when the incumbent Lord Mayor personally presented to the Master the ‘Letters Patent’ making it the 83rd livery company of the City of London�

In 1975, in common practice with other livery companies, the WCFM established its own charity through which it channelled its charitable activities�

In 2005 the WCFM acquired Furniture Makers’ Hall in Austin Friars as its permanent home in the City

Much earlier, in 1903, the Furniture Trades Benevolent Association (FTBA) was formed and one of its first actions was to establish a children’s home� The FTBA continued as the main charity operating in the industry, assisting people who fell on hard times financially, and it was widely supported by the trade�

In 2008 it changed its name to the Furnishing Industry Trust (FIT), reflecting a more modern image and expanding its activities from providing welfare to

A Company treasure - the Coronation Cup

assistance for training � It had for many years operated closely with the WCFM in their overlapping charitable activities, sharing both premises and staff, and at this time the roles of the clerk (a livery’s chief executive) to the WCFM and the chief executive of FIT were amalgamated �

In 2012 a full merger of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers’ charity and the Furnishing Industry Trust took place with the organisation becoming The Furniture Makers’ Company, the furnishing industry’s charity �

While the charitable activities were developing, the livery aspect of the Company continued to maintain its role in ensuring that its members supported the governance of the City, participated in major events, launched initiatives on behalf of the industry and fostered good fellowship�

In 2013 The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth II, giving recognition to the Company which was considered to be demonstrating stability, permanence and pre-eminence in its field while providing an exemplary degree of public service

In its short lifetime The Furniture Makers’ Company has developed rapidly to meet the needs of the industry and the aspirations of its membership and is seen as one of the most progressive livery companies of the City of London�

A Company treasure - a silver gilt replica of King Edward’s Coronation Chair presented by brothers Lucian and Barry Ercolani

STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY

Today, The Furniture Makers’ Company consists of three legal entities and the current governance structure is:-

1 The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers.

The Livery Company (‘the Corporate Fund’) is governed by the Court of Assistants

2 The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers’ Charitable Funds incorporating The Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association.

The Charitable Fund is governed by the trustees who are appointed by the Court�

3 Furniture Makers’ Company Limited (FMC)

FMC is governed by its directors who are appointed by the trustees of the Charitable Fund�

The Corporate Fund is a separate legal entity and is largely restricted to livery activity�

The Charitable Fund represents the bulk of the assets and accounts for all charitable activity and administration costs (except for costs associated with livery activity for which a charge is levied to the Corporate Fund)

FMC is a subsidiary of the Charitable Fund� It owns the hall and handles the associated activity such as rents and catering

The Company’s Royal Charter

THE COMPANY’S OBJECTIVES

The Company’s role is to sustain a thriving British furnishing industry with a talented workforce delivering high-quality products, which supports those in need from within its ranks and those who have served it in the past� The Company achieves this through three pillars of activity – education, excellence and welfare�

EDUCATION

The UK has a thriving furniture and interiors sector that contains many world-class businesses which each have a rich heritage� For the sector to continue to grow it is essential for it to attract the very best school leavers and graduates The Company has created an education and development programme to inspire and steward the next generation of talent�

EXCELLENCE

British furnishing design and manufacturing are second to none and the Company’s prestigious Guild Marks recognise the best of British design, innovation and manufacturing, helping to build a thriving industry for the future�

The Company’s three Guild MarksBespoke Guild Mark, Design Guild Mark and Manufacturing Guild Mark - recognise excellence and the highest standards in design and production, bringing prestige and publicity for award holders The criteria are exacting, setting the bar high for those who apply�

The Master Certificate scheme recognises excellence in career progression at three levels including evidence of academic training and support for those working in the industry�

WELFARE

The charity has been supporting the welfare of employees in the furnishing industry, past and present, for more than 120 years� Anyone who works or has worked in the UK furnishing industry may qualify to receive financial support and guidance to help them through difficult times

FELLOWSHIP

Through a wide range of activities, the Company aims to foster fellowship among members and the wider livery movement�

All the Company’s activities are promoted nationwide to attract membership of the Company by those employed in the furniture and furnishing industry�

THE COURT AND COMPANY’S ADMINISTRATION

The Company is governed by the Master, the wardens and the Court Here its structure is explained by following a liveryman’s steps from assistant to Master�

Elections to the Court of Assistants take place early in the calendar year A liveryman wishing to join the Court is normally elected as an assistant for a six-year term and may then stand for a second six-year term during which he or she will be expected to stand as second assistant thereby confirming willingness to proceed to the role of Master� Candidates for assistant are elected by the whole livery and at least one will be sought every year as other assistants progress through the stages Other vacancies occur as individuals leave the Court The roles of second assistant, first assistant, junior warden, senior warden and Master are for a one-year term�

ASSISTANTS

Assistants undertake the role of a board of directors overseeing the running of the Company� They will normally sit on or chair a committee and may represent other committees at Court�

SECOND ASSISTANT

A candidate for second assistant is committing to the final steps en-route to

becoming Master Following a proposal from the Past Masters, who act as a senate of experience, the candidate is put forward for election by the Court of Assistants� Second assistants have the opportunity to engage more fully with all aspects of the Company’s operations and the civic life of the City The second assistant is a member of the Principal Operating Committee�

FIRST ASSISTANT

One year on, the progression normally leads to first assistant While there are no specific extra duties, the first assistant is confirming the intention to become Master and should anticipate engaging in as many Company activities as time allows� Continuing involvement in the Company’s strategy through membership of the Principal Operating Committee, which includes other senior members and the clerk and treasurer, can be expected�

JUNIOR WARDEN

The junior warden will be installed at the same ceremony as the new Master and will join the senior trio leading the Company for that year� The role is to support the Master, take an active part in all discussions and decisions and become familiar with as many of the current activities of the Company and the wider livery movement as time allows�

SENIOR WARDEN

The senior warden is very much the Master-in-waiting and as such needs to prepare� They will be involved in all major decisions and will occasionally accompany the Master to Company and civic events In anticipation of the subsequent Master’s year the opportunity can be taken to outline plans at the Company’s Common Hall held about a month before the Installation Ceremony The senior warden is also responsible for overseeing the regions and highlighting their importance in the Company’s strategy and activities�The senior warden is also expected to start planning their Master’s Outing�

MASTER

It is a great honour and privilege to represent the industry as Master of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers� The Master chairs Court meetings and has considerable power to lead the Company generally

It is a very sociable year with the Master, and often the consort, hosting Company events and dinners and being invited by other Masters to social occasions� There are many opportunities to forge new friendships

The Master works closely with the wardens to ensure continuity and consistency going forward� A working relationship with the clerk and the administrative staff is vital in achieving both the Master’s objectives and those of the Company�

The Master is very much involved in livery activities in the City of London� One of the first is the Master’s Livery Weekend, which is attended by all Masters� It is a great opportunity to meet other Masters who will be met again on many occasions throughout what is a great year�

The Master will ensure that the objectives of the Lord Mayor and major City initiatives are communicated within The Furniture Makers’ Company

In addition to being a member of all committees, the Master is expected to attend the following:

• The Installation

• The Royal Charter Dinner

• Court Meetings

• Freemen’s and liverymen’s admission ceremonies

• The Election of the Lord Mayor

• The Election of Sheriffs

• The Lord Mayor’s briefing for Masters and clerks

• Events hosted by other livery companies and City institutions, including that of the Broad Street Ward Club

• The Livery Garden of Remembrance Service

• The Lord Mayor’s Banquet for Masters

• The United Guilds’ Service

• The Livery Masters’ Weekend

• A Buckingham Palace Garden Party

• Company Mixer events

• The Master’s Outing�

It is a very busy year, but it is a year that can be remembered with pleasure and pride�

THE MASTER’S CONSORT

The Master’s consort plays an important role in assisting the Master during their year� The consort may be married to the Master, a significant partner or a friend of choice� The consort may be invited to events and dinners with the Master or invited to those of the Consorts’ Association

PAST MASTER

Once a Master has completed the year ‘in the chair’ they become a Past Master of the Company Past Masters continue to serve on the Court until they wish either to stop attending Court meetings or to take emeritus status and thereby cease to be an active Past Master� If the Master is unable to attend any significant event or to chair a Court meeting, the Immediate Past Master will deputise usually

TRUSTEES

The Charitable Fund is governed by a board of trustees who have legal responsibility for the fund�

CHARITY PRESIDENT

The charity president is patron of the charity and is usually a person who has gained high regard in the industry� The charity president normally attends the Royal Charter Dinner and represents and promotes the charity

A consort accompanies the Master to many events

THE COMPANY’S OFFICE

The Company’s office is in Furniture Makers’ Hall in the heart of the City of London

It is headed by the clerk, the ancient livery name for the chief executive officer� The clerk supports the Master, wardens, the Court and the membership generally� The clerk is responsible for the day to day running of the Company from administration and finance to membership and events�

The clerk is assisted by a team which includes a deputy clerk

The office team is on hand to assist Masters in their duties� Invitations or papers will be put into the Master’s folder and kept in the office for collection� The Master must ensure that the team is kept aware of all diary commitments, not just Company functions�

At many Company and civic events, the ceremonial will be overseen by a beadle who acts as a master of ceremonies� The rector of the church of St Mary-le-Bow is the honorary chaplain and attends some functions�

Furniture Makers’ Hall

MEMBERSHIP

Unlike some other livery companies, all members must be associated in some way with the UK furnishing industry, making the Company a ‘closed’ livery� An ‘open’ livery is one that anyone can join irrespective of their trade

In order to become a member all applicants must be interviewed by the admissions committee� New members are often invited to join by an existing member Once the formalities are completed, applicants are admitted to the Company as a freeman�

FREEMAN

The admission ceremony for new freemen takes place at Furniture Makers’ Hall� Every incoming freeman will be asked to sign a declaration and will receive a certificate and badge from the Master New freemen can apply straightaway to join one of the committees that manage the charitable and corporate activities of the Company�

LIVERYMAN

The status of freeman is the first stage on the way to becoming a liveryman - a full member - and this can readily be

An admission ceremony line-up

achieved within one or two years� Following a successful interview with the membership chairman, the clerk will then arrange for the applicant to receive the Freedom of the City of London which is presented at a ceremony at Guildhall and needs to take place before becoming a liveryman� The admission ceremony for new liverymen is held at the end of one of the four annual Court meetings� A new liveryman signs a declaration and receives a certificate and badge from the Master The new liverymen will be invited to join the Court for lunch or dinner after the ceremony�

Admission as a liveryman carries with it the entitlement to attend Common Hall for the elections of the Lord Mayor and the Sheriffs of the City of London�

CORPORATE MEMBER

This tier of membership allows a large business to join as a corporate member, with three individuals from within that organisation joining as corporate liverymen� Corporate membership offers companies the opportunity to make a positive impact on the industry and to fulfill corporate social responsibility objectives, by supporting the Company’s charitable activities It allows these individuals to begin their own personal journey towards full livery membership which is strongly encouraged, should they so desire�

CORPORATE SUPPORTER

Corporate supporter is a tier of membership for small and medium sized

companies that wish to join the Company, with one individual from the business joining as a corporate freeman

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP

An honorary member is appointed by the Court and by invitation only�

MEMBERSHIP FEES

The annual membership subscription is made up of two parts:

1 a membership fee

2 a donation to the charitable fund�

A member wearing the livery

REGIONS

Although Furniture Makers’ Hall is situated in the City, the Company’s remit and work as a national members’ organisation and UK-wide charity for the industry spreads beyond London through the regional network�

Each established region has a committee made up of members who live in the local area who are committed to helping promote the Company’s objectives on a regional level�

Currently, the regional network is as follows:

EAST OF ENGLAND

Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire and Suffolk�

HEART OF ENGLAND

Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland�

NORTH EAST

Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham

NORTH WEST

Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside�

SOUTH WEST

Cornwall, Dorset, Devon, Gloucestershire and Somerset�

SOUTHERN

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire

YORKSHIRE

East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire�

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION

Regional association enables furnishing industry people to build links locally and get involved with events and initiatives in their area, charitable and otherwise, without the formality of officially joining the livery Regional association is recommended to those in the industry who are new to the Company and want to discover more about it before joining as a freeman�

News and information about forthcoming regional events can be found on the website: furnituremakers.org.uk/ regional-association

The contact details of all the regional chairmen are available on the website and in the almanac

EVENTS CALENDAR

The Company runs a diverse programme of civic, charity, social and business events throughout the year with the aim of offering something to suit all members The dates and venues are included on the events page of the Furniture Makers’ website and in the almanac� The following is not an exhaustive list, more a snapshot of some of the events which take place each year

in Cheapside, followed by the whitetie Installation Dinner in the Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor This is the most important event in the Company’s year and all members are encouraged to attend and they are welcome to bring guests�

In late spring or early summer an annual curry night, organised by the Yorkshire regional committee, takes place in the north of England and gives members and friends a chance to enjoy networking and an award-winning curry�

SUMMER

Throughout the summer months, the charity organises a mixture of activitybased fundraising events which are open to members and non-members alike and are excellent events at which to socialise with other people from the industry or to entertain clients� These include regional golf days, clay pigeon shoots, including the very popular Big Shots event, and a five-aside football tournament�

LATE SPRING

May marks the start of the Company year which begins with the Installation Ceremony of the new Master Traditionally, a service is held at St Mary-le-Bow church

The Election of Sheriffs takes place every Midsummer Day The responsibility of electing London’s Sheriffs has rested with livery members since 1475� Liverymen who have been members for more than one year can vote in this election held in Guildhall, the home of the City of London Corporation Afterwards there is a lunch at Furniture Makers’ Hall�

An Installation Ceremony at St Mary-le-Bow Church

AUTUMN

Autumn starts with the annual Master’s Outing in September� This excursion, which may be one day or several days long, in the UK or abroad, is open to all members� The destination usually reflects the interest of the incumbent Master Attendance is not obligatory but is a great way to meet other members of the livery in a relaxed environment and to create longstanding relationships� Past weekends have been in an array of locations such as St Petersburg, Morecambe and Venice

Another City tradition in which every member should participate at least once is the annual Sheep Drive over Southwark Bridge� In medieval times freemen were excused the toll when driving sheep over the Thames The Sheep Drive commemorates this�

Livery members also have the honour of voting in the annual election of the Lord Mayor, which has taken place on Michaelmas Day (29 September) every year since 1435 The chosen candidate is known as the ‘Lord Mayor Elect’ until the day before the Lord Mayor’s Show� This is a celebration that takes place every November, which includes a procession around the City of all the many civil, commercial and military institutions, including most livery companies, to showcase the role of the City of London to the world�

The annual Young Furniture Makers exhibition – a one day exhibition of designs from emerging design talent – takes place in October in Furniture Makers’ Hall and the Dutch Church� It gives members and the industry the chance to connect with and to encourage young people who are considering a career in the furniture sector

The Sheep Drive

Installation Dinner at the Mansion House

The Royal Charter Dinner – a formal blacktie event which celebrates the anniversary of the Company being granted a Royal Charter by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2013 – takes place in November and is usually held in other livery halls, giving members the unique opportunity of dining in some of the historic buildings in the City�

WINTER

The Wine Dinner, organised by the Wine Committee, is one of the Company’s

most popular events and for good reason� Guests enjoy a number of wines from a particular region which are paired with a delicious multi-course dinner� The event takes place at the end of January in Furniture Makers’ Hall

Throughout the year, there are many inter-livery events at which members can socialise with members of other liveries� One such is the Inter-Livery Pancake Race in Guildhall Yard on Shrove Tuesday

EARLY SPRING

In March, lectures are hosted in Furniture Makers’ Hall as part of the Frederick Parker Lectures and Dinner Evening This is open to members and non-members

The United Guilds’ Service at St Paul’s Cathedral is a heart-lifting event for all members� The service was first organised in 1943 to lift the spirits of the City following the blitz during the Second World War� With representatives from all the livery companies dressed in gown, this event showcases the splendour of the City to full effect� A lunch is held in Furniture Makers’ Hall after the service�

At the end of each livery year is Common Hall – the annual general meeting open to all members – in April� It provides an opportunity to hear about the achievements of the past year, and then the Master-Elect explains the plans for the year ahead It is followed by a complimentary wine tasting�

A Royal Charter Dinner at Apothecaries’ Hall

THE COMPANY’S COMMITTEES

The Company’s wide range of activities and events are made possible by many very active committees Apart from a few standing committees essential for the governance of the Company, the committees detailed below have members from all sectors and age groups of the industry� Every member is encouraged to become involved with the running of the Company and to develop relationships and experience which will be of benefit to them throughout their membership as well as giving something back to the industry they enjoy�

Committees are usually chaired by a Court member� They may meet formally in person or by video link about four times a year�

Individual members may be tasked to take an action forward between meetings� Members normally serve for three years only so as to encourage fresh ideas Early in the calendar year, volunteers are sought to join committees in the ensuing livery year� Committee work can be demanding at times but it is one of the key ways that members can give back to the organisation and help drive the Company’s strategy forward It also provides an additional opportunity for members to get to know each other�

Here is a list of the committees that members can request to join�

BESPOKE GUILD MARK

The Bespoke Guild Mark Committee

determines if applications are of sufficient quality to receive the prestigious Bespoke Guild Mark, which recognises excellence in design, materials, craftsmanship and function of pieces of furniture made as single items or a limited run�

CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY

This committee is focussed on identifying opportunities to champion ‘best practice’ among members and to act as a conduit for collaboration and knowledge sharing�

COMMUNICATIONS

The Communications Committee directs how the Company is viewed both internally and externally� It oversees the Company’s website, the Austin Friar, brochures, newsletters and social media�

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP

The Corporate Membership Committee is responsible for growing corporate membership and for organising various events for corporate members�

CUSTODIANS OF THE HALL

The Custodians Committee is responsible for ensuring that Furniture Makers’ Hall maintains the appropriate look and feel in terms of interior decoration and furnishing�

DESIGN GUILD MARK

The Design Guild Mark Committee oversees the annual Design Guild Mark awards

process, which aims to raise the profile of British industrial design and to recognise excellence in this discipline� It is judged by a panel of renowned design experts and the committee subsequently ensures that the award winners receive appropriate publicity and benefit�

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

The Training and Education Committee is responsible for the running of the Company’s programme of initiatives and events that support and inspire young people who wish to build a career in the UK furnishing industry�

FREDERICK PARKER

The purpose of the Frederick Parker Committee is to manage and develop the Frederick Parker Chair Collection and Archive as an educational resource� It raises awareness of the significance of the collection and ensures it is used principally to inspire schoolchildren, students, designers and manufacturers to be creative and innovative�

FUNDRAISING

The Fundraising Committee oversees the Company’s fundraising campaigns and events

MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS

The Membership and Events Committee discusses the structure of the membership and recommends improvements It is tasked with recruiting appropriate freemen, developing ties with new members, and

ensuring that freemen and liverymen are receiving appropriate membership benefits� The committee also oversees the broad programme of social events across the country while seeking new and interesting venues and activities

MANUFACTURING GUILD MARK

The Manufacturing Guild Mark is awarded to British manufacturers which have demonstrated the highest standards across all areas of their businesses by successfully passing a rigorous, independently reviewed audit� The committee encourages companies to apply for the award and ensures the holders receive appropriate publicity

REGIONAL COMMITTEES

Several regional committees have been set up around the UK to help communicate the Company’s message across the country and help in fundraising and events Details of the regions can be found on the website: furnituremakers.org.uk/regions

WINE

The Wine Committee is responsible for selecting and purchasing the wine for Company functions and events The committee also organises specific wine events for the membership to attend, as well as providing the twice-yearly lists of special offers to members of carefully selected wines from the Company’s suppliers

TRADE AFFILIATIONS

The strength of the Company in achieving a wide range of objectives within the furnishing sector is enhanced by working in close collaboration with other organisations, some within the wider livery movement, and others across the diverse landscape of industry, commerce and public bodies� The list of affiliations, while not exhaustive, demonstrates the Company’s commitment to partnerships

BRITISH FURNITURE CONFEDERATION

The British Furniture Confederation (BFC) maintains regular dialogue with government and other influential stakeholders to ensure that all policies and initiatives support a thriving furniture, furnishing and bed sector� It’s executive body is made up of representatives of the furniture, furnishing and bed trade associations It meets to discuss developments within the sector, strategies to further its collective aims and communicate these to the government through the All Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group, chaired by an appropriate MP� Typical topics are skills and education, trade and exports, the environment and sustainability, and standards and regulation�

FURNITURE AND INTERIORS EDUCATION, SKILLS AND TRAINING ALLIANCE

FIESTA brings together trade associations across the wider furniture and furnishing

trade to address training and educational needs and to raise the profile of the industry as a career opportunity for young people

LIVERY CLIMATE ACTION GROUP

The Company is a member of this group, convened to assist the livery companies and guilds of the City of London manage their potential impact on climate change and the environment, by encouraging the sector they represent to reduce carbon emissions and to make responsible use of resources�

THE WOOD GROUP

Originally set up by Past Master Christopher Claxton Stevens, the Wood Group consists of the five livery companies whose crafts and trades rely heavily on wood, namely Turners, Carpenters, Upholders, Joiners and Ceilers, and Furniture Makers� While maintaining their close links they are active in working with schools and colleges as well as initiating exhibitions and competitions to promote the skills in working with and maintaining this versatile material

MILITARY AFFILIATIONS

Livery companies of the City of London traditionally have formal links with the armed services, with many companies having more than one link to a military unit These affiliaitions play an important role for both the military and the Company�

2ND BATTALION THE RIFLES

The Company’s association with the army dates back to 1989 An affiliation was set up with the now disbanded 5th Volunteer Battalion, Royal Green Jackets to mark the 25th anniversary of the Company receiving livery status�

Today, the Company has a close affiliation with 2 Rifles which is maintained through regular links with visits, exchanges of gifts

and provision of care packages to soldiers on active service� Prestigious awards are made each year to riflemen demonstrating outstanding qualities while on deployment

RAF XXV (F) SQUADRON

The Company’s affiliation with XXV (F) Squadron recognises the vital part played by the furnishing industry in manufacturing aircraft during both world wars In particular, XXV (F) Squadron, based at Northolt during World War Two, flew the Mosquito fighter-bomber, many parts of which had been produced in the High Wycombe furniture factories The squadron reformed in 2018 and, based at RAF Valley, is engaged in fast jet conversion training using the Hawk T2 Advanced Trainer�

The Master and clerk and a Hawk T2

FURNITURE MAKERS’ HALL

Halfway between Bank and Liverpool Street London Underground stations is the home of The Furniture Makers’ Company, Furniture Makers’ Hall at 12 Austin Friars� The hall is the venue for the Company’s Court meetings, most of the committee meetings as well as the admission ceremonies for the new members

The original tenants of the building were Frühling and Goschen, a banking house founded in Leipzig which had come to London at sometime around 1800 and it was George Goschen that began work on the building in 1853 He was later to become 1st Viscount Goschen, MP for the

City of London, a director of the Bank of England, first lord of the admiralty twice, president of the Royal Statistical Society, chancellor of Oxford University, and chancellor of the exchequer for five years�

When London was hit by German bombing in 1940, the damage to number 12 was superficial with damage to the windows and the front of the building� However the church opposite, which had stood since 1350, was completely destroyed�

Today, the hall is a popular venue for conferences, meetings, onsite filming, exhibitions and banquets� It serves a

The David Burbidge Room, the hall’s large dining space

discerning and broad clientele from inside and outside the Square Mile� The hall is available for any company or individual to book, but members receive preferential rates for both hiring and catering

The hall is managed by the Company’s appointed catering company� Bookings should be made through the hall website: fmhvenuehire.co.uk

The Arnold Moore Room –for up to 15 people

A traditional boardroom on the ground floor, ideal for interviews, private meetings and small dining events

The David Burbidge Room –for up to 120 people

An impressive event space on the ground floor ideal for conferences, workshops, celebrations, dinners and private parties

The Mike Clare Room –for up to 25 people

A magnificent boardroom on the first floor, ideal for executive meetings and private dining

The Arnold Moore Room

The David Burbidge Room

The Mike Clare Room

THE COMPANY’S COMMUNICATIONS

ALMANAC

This digital aide-memoire features a calendar of livery, civic and social events together with a list of Past Masters, members of the Court, members of all the various committees and the office team� Other contact information for the hall and the office is included�

AUSTIN FRIAR

This annually printed publication is the flagship review of the previous year’s activities and features all facets of the charitable, civic and social events as well as features of interest to the industry It is circulated to all members, the wider City livery movement and major bodies in the furniture and furnishing industry�

CHARITY UPDATE

A biannual news sheet outlining the initiatives and case studies from charitable activities�

EMAIL

This is the preferred method of communicating with members on an asrequired basis

FRIARS NEWS

This monthly email update features an introduction from the Master and a summary of all current news items and events as published on the website and elsewhere

MEMBERS’ SECTION

The members’ section is a private area that can be accessed through the website that has contact information of all members, dates of forthcoming events, useful documents, and it offers the means to pay for events and membership invoices� bit.ly/FMCmembersarea

REGIONAL NEWSLETTER

Regional activities are supported by biannual newsletters sent out by the Company’s office�

SOCIAL MEDIA

The Company has profiles on social networks Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin� All members are encouraged to follow these accounts, which showcase various initiatives and news�

FurnitureMakersCompany

The Furniture Makers’ Company

FurnitureMkrsCo

WEBSITE

The website plays a key role in the Company’s communications In addition to hosting information on all activities, the website is frequently updated with news and forthcoming event listings� furnituremakers.org.uk

FURTHER READING

If you have enjoyed finding out more about the Company and the livery movement, we recommend you visit these websites for further reading furnituremakers.org.uk liverycommittee.org liverypictures.com cityoflondon.gov.uk

A Short History

Members can also learn more about the history of the Company by reading ‘A Short History’, a book written by the Senior Past Master, Roger Richardson RD

A digital copy is available to read on the website�

bit.ly/AShortHistorybyRR

GLOSSARY

Admission

The ceremony by which freemen and liverymen are admitted to the Company and assistants to the Court

Assistant

A member of the Court junior to the wardens�

Charitable Fund

The Charitable Fund holds the bulk of the assets of the Company and is the main operating account� Governed by trustees (who are appointed by the Court)�

Clerk

The senior employee of a livery company or guild and therefore its chief executive officer�

Common Hall

The Company’s annual general meeting

Company

Shorthand reference to Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers� Usually meaning the whole organisation including the charity and FMC Ltd�

Company Chaplain

Formally the Chaplain to the Master� The priest of the church used by a Company�

They say Grace at Company lunches and dinners�

used for the Guild Marks, ceremonial and non-fundraising events�

Court

The governing body of the Company� Authorises all budgets and expenditure and takes all major decisions� Appoints the trustees and committee chairmen�

First Assistant

The senior assistant below the wardens� Likely to be the next junior warden�

Freedom of the City

An honour bestowed by the City upon a valued member of the community, or upon a visiting celebrity or dignitary� Arising from the medieval practice of granting respected citizens freedom from serfdom has to be applied for (for a fee) by a freeman wishing to become a liveryman

Guild

The Company was founded, as all livery companies are, as a guild in 1951� A guild has to prove its competence by attracting members (freemen) and funds before it can apply to the City Corporation to become a livery company

Guildhall

Corporate Fund

The non-charitable funds of the Company,

The ‘town hall’ of the City and the ceremonial and administrative centre of the City of London and its Corporation Elections of the Lord Mayor and the Sheriffs are held there�

Installation Ceremony

An event where a person is installed as, for example, a Master or a warden�

Immediate Past Master

The most recent Past Master

Junior Warden Officer junior to the senior warden� Traditionally two years away from being elected as Master

Livery Company

An organisation in the City which has been licensed by Letters Patent to be a livery company�

Liveryman

A freeman of a livery company who is a freeman of the City of London and who has been admitted to the livery (having paid the due fines)�

Lord Mayor

Head, elected annually, of the City of London Corporation� Resides in Mansion House� The role was established in 1189�

Not to be confused with the Mayor of London�

Loving Cup

Ancient tradition of a silver cup containing an unspecified drink which is passed along the tables at the end of a formal City dinner and from which each guest sips, then wipes and passes on (with his or her back protected by the previous drinker)

Master

The head of a livery company, usually for one year and only once�

Master’s Outing

Each Master invites all members to join him or her on a visit to a place of interest at home or abroad�

Officers

Officers of a livery company, usually taken as referring to the Master and wardens

Past Masters

Liverymen who have served as Master�

Royal Charter

The document by which the Company is incorporated and the liability of its members is limited� Available to certain types of organisations such as livery companies but not to commercial entities�

Second Assistant

Second most senior assistant below the wardens� Likely to be the next but one junior warden�

Senior Warden Officer immediately junior to the Master Likely to be the next one

Sheriffs

Two assistants to the Lord Mayor elected each year by liverymen of all City livery companies The two Sheriffs are responsible for the Central Criminal Court, the ‘Old Bailey’� The senior one

(aldermanic) can expect to be Lord Mayor two years later�

Treasures

Silverware (Loving Cups, etc) and other valuable objects gifted to a Company

Trustees

Senior liverymen appointed by the Court to govern the Charitable Fund�

Ward

An area of the City similar in function to a parliamentary constituency, e�g� the Broad Street Ward� Its residents and businesses elect aldermen and common councillors�

Wardens

Officers immediately junior to the Master and likely to be in succession�

Worshipful

Notable or distinguished Traditionally the first word in the title of a livery company

The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers’ Charitable Funds incorporating the Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association is a registered charity in England and Wales (no. 1015519) and a registered company (no. 02759359) in England and Wales.