Three furniture makers awarded the Master Certificate

Master Hayden Davies (centre) with Master Certificate awardees Neil Austin and Richard Williams

Three furniture makers were praised for their contribution and achievements to the industry as part of the Master Certificate Scheme at a ceremony in the City of London last month.

The Master Certificate Scheme, run by City of London livery companies in partnership with City & Guilds, recognises excellence and promotes career progression from Apprentice to Journeyman and Master level.

The three furniture makers who were awarded the Master Certificate were Neil Austin, fine furniture course leader at the Building Crafts College; Joseph Bray, design and make programme leader at Rycotewood Furniture Centre; and Richard Williams, bespoke furniture designer and maker.

To be awarded a Master Certificate, the three awardees had to evidence a relevant qualification at level 4, be a director, manager, supervisor, lecturer, sole proprietor or experienced craftsman and have a minimum of 10 years appropriate employment in the furniture industry.

The ceremony took place at Carpenters’ Hall, London on Monday 11 March and was attended by the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Peter Estlin.

Representatives from 10 livery companies were in attendance at the ceremony, with 28 people in total awarded an Apprentice, Journeyman or Master Certificate.

Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company Hayden Davies said: “It was an honour for the Furniture Makers to join the Lord Mayor, Alderman Peter Estlin, and present Master Certificates, recognising excellence in the field of furniture making, to three exemplary furniture makers who have dedicated their lives to our industry.”

Richard Williams, one of the awardees, said: “I feel very honoured to have received my Master’s Certificate from the Lord Mayor at Carpenters’ Hall – it was a wonderful occasion. The award not only recognises my achievements in the furniture industry, it also reflects my strong interest in ensuring that furniture making skills are successfully passed down the generations. It was great to watch the apprentices receive their awards too, and I will do all I can to support them in their early careers.”