Forging Fellowship at Ironmongers’ Hall

For the first time in recent memory, this year’s Feltmakers’ Spring Livery Dinner was held at the home of one of the ‘Great Twelve’ Livery Companies, the Ironmongers’ Hall, half-hidden and unassuming when walking along Aldersgate Street. Boasting an elegantly decorated, oak panelled Banqueting Hall and a charming Drawing Room decorated with woven wall hangings quintessential of William Morris’ designs (the largest collection in the country), it was a pleasure to enjoy our champagne reception and seasonal dinner in this historic space as the setting sun shone through the ornate stained glass windows.

Our dinner started with a light trout rillette and dill potato pancake, followed by braised beef, potato terrine and seasonal vegetables and ending with a sweetly spiced apple crumble, with petit fours alongside our coffee and Port to toast. Our meal was accompanied by a selection of delightful Portuguese wines – both a sturdy red and a refreshingly crisp white.

Between courses, the Master ‘took wine’ with our four newest liverymen who had been sworn in earlier that evening.  The welcome to the guests was led by Assistant Mrs Alexandra Hayward and  included introductions for a number of distinguished guests including Masters and members of other Liveries such as the Framework Knitters, Pattenmakers, Woolmen, Farriers, Fanmakers, Chartered Architects and Insurers – amongst others. How lovely to have such a community of people who care deeply about representing their Liveries and are captured by our collective traditions to celebrate together. In one conversation I was advised that not all Companies follow the Loving Cup custom, but have in recent times still offered a rose bowl for guests to rinse and refresh at the table. As a young liveryman myself, I do find there is so much that I learn at every gathering our Livery holds!

Our guest speaker was the eloquent and captivating Samantha McClary, CEO of the British Council of Offices, who spoke of how workspaces are not only integral to the success of our businesses, but also integral to our individual success and, in her words, integral to the success of humanity.  Inherently social beings, as these dinners demonstrate, the changing landscape that is the City of London demands our support, collaboration and innovation – as much now, in a post-Covid world, as ever before. Whilst we Feltmakers may no longer all be London-based, the influence of the City nationwide and internationally is undeniable and brings us so much joy when we have the opportunity to get together in celebrated and heritage venues.

The Master closed off the evening’s proceedings with a toast before we retired to join him for a final Stirrup Cup and a reflection on the splendid soirée.

Stephanie Wilkinson