Dr Tony Smart MBE installed as new Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company

The Furniture Makers’ Company, the furnishing industry’s charity, is delighted to announce that Dr Tony Smart MBE has been installed as its 56th Master, succeeding Ben Burbidge.

The annual installation ceremony took place on Monday 8 May 2017 at St Mary-le-Bow Church in the City of London, followed by a celebratory dinner at Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London.

More than 220 members of the furniture industry were in attendance at the installation dinner and were joined by dignitaries including Lord Mayor Locum Tenens, Dame Fiona Woolf.

Commenting, Dr Tony Smart MBE said: “I would like to thank everyone who attended my installation ceremony on Monday and made it such a special occasion. It was a remarkable evening and one that I will never forget, among so many friends and colleagues from our industry along with their guests, and in the presence of the Lord Mayor Locum Tenens, Dame Fiona Woolf.

“The theme for my year is education, training and skills and I would like to remind you of our Bridging the Gap conference on 18 May at Furniture Makers’ Hall where we will be explaining how the government’s apprenticeship levy will affect companies large and small.”

The evening also included an award ceremony for The Christopher Claxton Stevens Prize, The Jonathan Hindle Prize for Excellence and a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Christopher Claxton Stevens Prize was presented to Richard Williams for his display cabinet made from bog oak.

The Jonathan Hindle Prize was made to Richard Stevens of forpeople for their Keyn Chair Range for Herman Miller.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Margaret Miller in recognition of her 60 years at Knightsbridge Furniture and contribution to the furnishing industry.