Three furniture makers recognised at City ceremony

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 earlier this 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.

Matt Bond, CAD technician at Halstock, was awarded the Apprentice Certificate. Meanwhile, Seán Breen furniture technology lecturer at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, and Joshua Hudson, furniture lead at Rycotewood Furniture Centre, both received the Master Certificate.

To be awarded a Master Certificate, the two 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 Mansion House, London on Monday 14 March and was attended by the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Vincent Keaveny.

Representatives from 15 livery companies attended the ceremony, awarding 22 Master, 10 Journeyman and 16 Apprentice Certificates.

David Woodward, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “It was an honour for the Furniture Makers to join Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Vincent Keaveny, and present Master and Apprentice Certificates, recognising excellence in the field of furniture making, to three excellent furniture makers.”

Seán Breen said: “Achieving the recognition of Master Furniture Maker has been one of the true highlights of my time in the craft. The ceremony was an unforgettable experience and demonstrated the exceptional work of The Furniture Makers’ Company in recognising the importance of skills training and the promotion of excellence alongside welfare in our industry.”

Matt Bond said: “It was a privilege to receive my Apprentice Certificate, alongside my tutor who received his Master Certificate. I hope to be back again to achieve my Journeyman and Master Certificate.”

Joshua Hudson said: “After moving away from industry three years ago to lead Rycotewood Furniture Centre, it was an honour to be recognised by The Furniture Makers’ Company for both services to industry and education.

“To be presented with the Master Certificate by The Lord Mayor of London alongside the Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, set in the exquisite Mansion House, was a truly fantastic experience, and one which I will cherish for many years to come.”