A message from the Prime Warden
Dear Fellow Basketmakers,
What a wonderful day of thanksgiving and celebration we enjoyed on the 21st October. Our Installation Service at St Margaret Pattens, so thoughtfully led by the Reverend Andrew Keep, offered a moment of reflection and gratitude. His sermon on the importance of giving and receiving love felt especially fitting, echoing our Company’s motto “Let us love one another.” We remembered with affection those we have lost during the past year, and those whose generous bequests continue to sustain our Company and its charitable work.
Following the service, we gathered at Bakers’ Hall for a delicious luncheon and the outgoing Prime Warden’s heartfelt words of thanks, before concluding the day with Common Hall and the Ceremonial Court — during which I was formally installed as Prime Warden, Jon Pyzer and Hugh Thomas were invested as Upper and Under Wardens, our new Stewards, Jeffrey White, Lesley Bull and Michael Bull were installed, and Sue King was appointed to the Court. It was a moment of pride and continuity, linking the traditions of our Company to its ever-evolving future.
Clare and I are both humbled — and if I’m honest, a little daunted — by the trust that the Company has placed in us. We are, however, greatly looking forward to the year ahead, which promises to be full of fellowship, friendship, and fascinating events. From a ghost tour and a visit to Tower Bridge, to an exciting weekend in the Loire Valley — including a very special visit to the basketmaking village of Villaines-les-Rochers — there will be much to enjoy and share together.
Our theme for the year is “Carry Your Basket.” By this, we do not necessarily mean you should literally carry one (although that is always encouraged!), but rather that we should all help to carry the message of our Company. We aim to promote our proud heritage within the City, to grow our membership, and to nurture a warm, friendly, and welcoming community among our fellow Basketmakers.
Clare and I both look forward to seeing as many of you as possible during the coming months, and to celebrating the spirit of fellowship that lies at the heart of our Company.
Warmest wishes,
Mark
Mark Cooper, Prime Warden
Who we are
For centuries, our members were all professional basketmakers and we regulated their trade in the City. Today we welcome people from all walks of life.
We continue to promote the craft of basketmaking and through our Charitable Trust we also help good causes and communities across London.
We have earned a reputation as one of the friendliest Livery Companies, and our social programme extends from formal dinners to family days out, including our well-known basketmaking days.
Basketry is an ancient craft - the oldest known baskets were found at Fayum in Egypt and dated to c.10,000BC. We cannot claim such a long history, but we celebrated our 450th anniversary in 2019 - the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers was formally constituted by the Court of Aldermen in 1569 to help support the trade.
Today we are an inclusive and friendly Livery Company which supports basketry, the City of London and London charities.
Please contact our Clerk for further information or visit our Membership page.
