Behind the London Livery Companies - Objects and Stories with Jo Mabbutt

Doors open 09.30

10.00–11.00: Lecture 1

This covers the beginnings of London's medieval guilds and we look at early pageants, acquisitions, some prominent City figures in the charity and education world, and the peak of the Livery development.

11.00–11.30. Tea, coffee and shortbread included

11.30–12.30: Lecture 2

This looks at the rebuilding of the City after the Great Fire and the changing roles of Livery Companies.  With the loss of connection with the original trades and crafts, many Companies struggled to find a new role but in the "Great Awakening" in the 1870s Livery Companies responded positively to the need for change and started to emerge in a form that we would recognise today. 

12.30–14.00. Lunch break for soup, sandwiches and fruit

14.00–15.00: Final Lecture

This explores the modern perspective of the Livery.  37 new Livery Companies have been created since 1926 and we examine how older Companies have found ways of remaining relevant in the 21st Century.  Companies continue to commission a great variety of fine and  decorative art to promote their skill, to add to their collections and for the adornment of their Halls; their craftsmen's work can be seen across the country.  Support for charity, education and training also remains at the heart of the Livery. 

15.00. Question and answer session