Record-breaking admission ceremony as 20 people join Furniture Makers

A record 20 people working in the UK furniture and furnishing industry have been admitted as freemen of The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company.

The new freemen, who represent all sectors from the wider trade, were admitted at a ceremony at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London last night (Tuesday 9 April).

The admission ceremony was presided over by Amanda Waring, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, along with Brian Ahern, senior warden; and Debbie Johnson, junior warden. As part of the ceremony, the 20 new freemen declared their support to the Company and signed a declaration.

The new freemen are:

• Tom Addison, founder, Tom Addison Fine Furniture
• Jarrad Belton, tutor, The Farnham School of Furniture Making
• Finlay Champion, cabinet maker, Edward Johnson Ltd
• Richard Chapman, French polisher, Chapman Brothers French Polishers
• Mark Denby, head of sales, Saxon Furniture Ltd
• Simon Elliott, managing director, Halstock Cabinet Makers
• Sean Evelegh, designer-maker, Sean Evelegh
• Paul Farley, editor-in-chief, Gearing Media Group Ltd
• Geoffrey Fowler, CEO and principal, The London Design & Engineering University Technical College
• Tim Higham, founder, Higham Furniture
• Sam Horscroft, sales & marketing director, Gearing Media Group Ltd
• Lynne Isham, founder, The Modern Garden Company Ltd
• Derek Jones, subject lead, The London Design & Engineering University Technical College
• Tab van der Lande, designer-maker, Sebastian Cox Ltd
• Keith Lovelace, managing director, Ideas Limited
• Merianne Molina-Pethers, ecommerce business owner, Luce Interiors
• Thomas O’Neill, senior design and projects engineer, Race Furniture
• Anna Parkinson, operations manager, Make An Entrance
• David Sentance, general manager, Spradling UK Ltd
• James White, operations director, Halstock Cabinet Makers

After the ceremony, the new freemen joined other members at the Company’s annual general meeting, known as Common Hall, before a drinks reception.

The Furniture Makers’ Company was founded as a guild in 1951 and granted livery status in 1963, becoming the 83rd livery company of the City of London and only the sixth to be formed since the reign of Queen Anne ended in 1714. It was incorporated by Royal Charter in 2013.

With more than 300 individual members and around 45 corporate members, The Furniture Makers’ Company is the only membership association that brings together people from all sectors of the furniture and furnishing industry, including beds, fabrics, kitchens, carpets and floor coverings.

Amanda Waring, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “The Furniture Makers’ Company is a modern livery company whose membership comprises of individuals and businesses that make up the diverse, vibrant and creative UK furnishing industry. We are a force for good and our members are the fuel that fire the engine and help us fulfill our vision.

“I’m delighted to welcome a record 20 new freemen to the Furniture Makers who bring a wealth of different experience from across our industry. Being part of the Furniture Makers gives members the opportunity to network with others working or retired from the industry and support our charitable and livery activities.”

To find out more about joining as a freeman or corporate member, go to www.furnituremakers.org.uk/membership/