This year the Craft Awards were once again held in the magnificent surroundings of  Goldsmiths’ Hall.   The Goldsmiths received their first royal charter in 1327 making it one of the oldest livery companies and it is ranked 5th in precedence.

 

 

The awards luncheon was preceded by a meeting of the Court and as part of the proceedings three new freemen were admitted to the company: Michael Halle, Simon Holland and Andrew Gibson. Two new liverymen both Free of the City of London were also clothed:  Rupert Ford and Jon Ward. 

 

 

After gathering in the impressive entrance hall and collecting the menu and seating plan, members and guests were invited to ascend the fine marble staircase to be announced to, and welcomed by, the Master Jenny Rolls, the Upper Warden Alan Dodd and the Renter Warden David White. Over 120 members and their personal guests plus 31 winners and guests of the Craft Committee then proceeded to a champagne reception in the two grand main reception rooms. At precisely 1pm the beadle announced that the company should pass through to lunch.

 

 

The Goldsmiths grand banqueting hall is an awe inspiring chamber of decorated columns, walls and ceiling and is lit by four enormous chandeliers which can be lit with candles if so desired but a little unnecessary for our lunchtime awards ceremony. (A cherry picker is required to fit and light the hundreds of candles). Once members and guests were at their allocated places the procession of Master, Wardens and honoured guests were clapped in by the assembled company. The Master welcomed all members, guests and prize winners and invited the Hon Chaplain to say Grace. Luncheon then got under way. 

 

A most enjoyable menu was served with well chosen wines to accompany the courses. Following the dessert, port was passed. The Master then proposed the Loyal Toast and toasts to the Royal Family, the Lord Mayor and the City of London Corporation.

 

 

The response to the toast to the guests was by Deborah Pocock LVO, CEO of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust. Ms Pocock spoke of the work of QEST, a charity that transforms the careers of talented and aspiring makers by funding training and education, creating pathways to excellence, and strengthening the future of the UK’s craft sector.  This is something which we as Ts&Bs completely understand and which our craft awards truly reflect.

 

 

The toast to the company was then traditionally made by the Junior Liveryman, Jon Ward. 

 

 

The awards ceremony was  announced and Craft Committee chairman Court Assistant Ian Wilson took over proceedings, announcing the winners of the various categories with their citations, and calling them forward to be presented with their certificates, medals and envelopes by the Master and Deborah Pocock. All the winners were warmly applauded by the audience.  

 

Ian Wilson said that the standard of work done by all the winners was superb and each one thoroughly deserved their award.

 

 

The initial award of a T&B commendation was given posthumously to Liveryman Adrian Blundell who had recently passed away and who had during his time in the trade and as an active member of the company, contributed so much to the craft of Wall & Floor Tiling.

 

Adrian's wife, Shelly came up to collect the award and to sign the book listing the Master Craftsmen of the Tylers & Bricklayers, on behalf of Adrian.

 

Other awards were presented as follows;

 

The Awards Recognition as a Master Craftsman - Roof Slating and Tiling 

 

 

 

For having demonstrated the very highest standards in his craft presented to - Mark Ince

 

 

The Stokes Royal Engineers and Cadet Force Awards 2025

 

Class 1 winner  Sapper Alexander Jim Lawrence 

Class 2 winner Sapper Rhys Daily

Best Cadet Winner Sgt Adam Jalisi

Best Adult Volunteer Winner Sgt Inst Raea-Joire Boreland

 

Skillbuild UK 2025 Competition:

 

The E and R Fuller award for bricklaying, 2025  Kyle Blower

The Mason-Elliott award for roof slating and tiling, 2025 Joseph Gallagher

The Montgomery award for wall and floor tiling, 2025 Holly Taylor Whitehead

 

 

David Hulin - Liveryman