A Celebration of Tradition, Togetherness, Design and Inspiration

Tail coat – check, white tie – check, white waist coat – check, shoes polished – check, then onwards in the mid-afternoon heat to Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman King and fellow Feltmaker.  Mansion House could be confused with the Doctor’s Tardis; a plain exterior but within lie the glittering, golden statues of the Egyptian Room, whose decoration was inspired by Roman interpretations of Egyptian design.

The Egyptian Room provided a fittingly majestic backdrop for an evening rich in tradition, celebration and forward-looking purpose.  In this glamour, the Worshipful Company of Feltmakers, led by the Master, gathered for the Livery’s annual Summer Banquet.

Flanked by the shining red tasselled pikes of the Company of Pikemen & Musketeers and accompanied by the Royal Marines Association Ensemble playing appropriately “The Wonder of You”, guests paraded to the six-person receiving line to welcome Liverymen, and their distinguished guests, and friends of the Company, all coming together to enjoy a banquet that combined ceremony, artistry, and inspiration. With the banging of staff and drum, we moved in to the dinner with everyone clutching their seating plan so carefully choreographed by Convivium working with our fantastic, Pro-Tem Clerk, Emma Whitaker.

The grand Hall resounded with the vibrant chatter of guests, complemented by the musicians whose stirring performances brought energy and emotion to the evening, including harmonies from the Trinity Five. The serenade to the Master with the aptly titled “Wonderful World,” was a highlight, perfectly blending tradition with contemporary flair, and capturing the spirit of joy that characterised the evening and drew warm smiles and appreciative applause.

The speeches further enlivened the occasion with a super introduction of the guests by the Upper Warden, followed by the Lord Mayor urging everyone to play their part in creating a dynamic growing Britain by going out into the world to build businesses that span borders, to forge new connections and to take the kind of risks that lead to innovation and growth. The message resonated powerfully. The Master then highlighted key aspects of his year to date, built on the three pillars of supporting the hatting industry, attracting new recruits to the Livery and charity work. All three goals were being met, in particular, on the charity side where the Master led the way with the 500kms cycle from London to Paris supported by members of the Livery’s “best friend”, the Swiss guild, Zunft zur Waag.

Two significant presentations marked the evening’s celebrations. First, our Pro Tem Clerk, Emma was presented with a beautiful silver spoon, designed by the Lady Mayoress. This symbolic gift was a mark of appreciation and recognition for Emma’s  contributions and hard work.  The winner of the Feltmakers’ Design Award 2025, Antonia de Luca, was awarded her winning prize due to her exceptional creativity, technical skill, and a fresh interpretation of millinery tradition, earning her well-deserved praise.

The banquet was not only a celebration of the Feltmakers’ heritage, the Petition for Livery status having been submitted in 1583, but also a reflection of its dynamic present and ambitious future. The evening brought together the artistry of design, the glamour of the occasion, discipline of military music, and the spirit of enterprise in a way that was both uplifting and memorable.

 As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that the Worshipful Company of Feltmakers remains a vital part of the City’s fabric – honouring its past, inspiring the present, and encouraging the next generation to look outward, and shape our futures.

The evening rain replacing the afternoon heat could not dampen the journey home although it was some relief to reach Cannon Street tube station.

Tim Stocks