Oh What a Night! The Feltmakers’ Summer Banquet

Since joining the Company, a number of people have enquired why I chose the Feltmakers.  As both the Rt. Hon. Lady Mayor Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley and Master Feltmaker Simon Millar so eloquently explained at our Summer Banquet, the symbolism of wearing a number of hats throughout one’s lifetime and at different stages, alongside the blending and honouring of history and tradition in today’s world is  deeply appealing. The camaraderie of fellow Liverymen and “glorious nonsense” of the events is also a huge draw, binding us all to an historic institution which continues to make waves in the modern world through the generosity of its members. Having become a Liveryman on Plough Monday, I was therefore delighted to respond to The Worshipful Company of the Art or Mistery of Feltmakers of London’s calling to the Summer Banquet with an enthusiastic “yes!”.

And oh, what a night!  Despite it being hot in the City, the Feltmakers and guests came together dressed to impress and in high spirits as we were welcomed once again into the embrace of the Mansion House for a celebration our craft, our Livery, our charitable efforts and each other. The beautiful backdrop of the Egyptian Room provided a simply irresistible setting for convivial chatter and the wonderful entertainment of the Royal Marines Association Ensemble and pianist Claire Habershaw of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Thanks must go to our Clerk Hazel Ewen for her sterling efforts in expertly organising us all, by no means an easy feat!

Following an always delicious menu, attentions turned to the Lady Mayor’s and our Master’s speeches, which highlighted the joy of giving (with fine dress, or at the very least hats, an almost necessity as a Feltmaker…) and the deep well of philanthropy and generosity which runs through the Company. The inaugural Master’s Award was  presented to PM John Ray for longstanding services to the Company as well as prizes for the Feltmaker Award 2026 with Imogen Privett (of Morley College) taking First Prize. It is clear that there is an abundance of creativity and innovation amongst our members and it was a privilege to see that talent realised and recognised. The ranks of the Feltmakers swelled, as we welcomed a new Freeman, Simon Strübin, from our Swiss affiliate Guild, the Zunft zur Waag, into the fabric of our Company.

Speeches gave way to the Ceremony of the Loving Cup, a tradition dating back centuries even prior to our Petition for Royal Charter in 1583, a kind of magic connecting our roots and storied past with our present day and heading into the future. The Cup itself and the Ceremony continue our theme of togetherness and brilliantly exemplify our motto Decus et Tutamen (‘use and ornament’). With laughter filling the air, it was an entertaining way to close the Banquet, leaving everyone feeling good before heading on to a Stirrup Cup.

Having deepened connections, viewed the wonderful display of millinery talent and been suitably fed and watered, the evening was, as ever, a resounding success. Liverymen and their guests exited the Mansion House into the still of the night, with wide smiles and laughter ringing out, dancing in the moonlight on their way home, ready and eager for the next event. I shall very much look forward to seeing all my fellow Liverymen at the next splendid shindig.

Amanda John