Worshipful Company of Management Consultants presented with lectern from Rycotewood graduate

A lectern designed and made by Rycotewood Furniture Centre graduate Richard Illingworth as a commission for the Worshipful Company of Management Consultants has recently been presented to the Company’s Master at a church service in the City of London.

The lectern was commissioned as a gift to the Company by its current Immediate Past Master David Johnson, who wanted to gift a treasure to the livery to commemorate his year in the chair.

David consulted Past Master Tony Smart MBE, who was Master of the Furniture Makers at the time of enquiry, of suitable makers who might be able to take on the project.

David has a long-standing interest in promoting the role of the livery in encouraging apprentices and was keen to award the commission to a up and coming maker.

Consequently, Tony recommended Richard, a former exhibitor of our Young Furniture Makers exhibition, for the project. Following a meeting with the Company in early 2019 to discuss his proposal, Richard received the contract.

The lectern is made of beautiful English olive ash and is made up of two stands – allowing it to be both freestanding and used on a tabletop. There is also a light on the back that shines up on to the Company’s crest. The brief was to make all these pieces portable, so are easily disassembled to be placed in their carry cases.

The lectern was presented to the current Master of the Management Consultants, John Corneille, at a service on 19 September 2019 at St James Garlickhythe. Both Tony and Richard attended the service.

David Jones said: It’s an extraordinary, complex and delightful object, one that we believe will serve the company for many years that fits into the tradition of Masters’ gifts and will also support our ongoing commitment to help young people to find engaging and worthwhile employment.”

In addition to being a former Young Furniture Makers exhibitor, Richard participated in our Student Industry Tour and worked with William Hands and the Gordon Russell Museum as part of the industry partnership scheme.

You can see more of Richard’s work via his Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/illingworthdesigns/. To contact Richard about future commissions, please email: illingworthdesigns@btinternet.com