When the Company was formed in 1670, all of its members worked in tin plate and wire in “the City of London and the part near adjacent”. However, in common with many other Livery Companies, its membership was opened to those outside the trade, in our case in 1733. Nowadays, about a third of the Company have a background in the metals industries, with the remainder coming from all walks of life. Many have some interest in the use of non-precious metals, ranging from its use in the latest hi-tech sectors all the way to its use in multi-faceted works of art and jewellery.
Membership is open to anyone over the age of 21 who will appreciate the Company’s heritage, take pride in our activities, and share our interest in the history of the City of London. Prospective members have to be proposed by a member of the Company. If you do not know anyone, please contact the Clerk, Neil Lyon, who would be happy to discuss this and help in any way possible.
We are always very pleased to receive enquiries about joining us.
There are four categories of candidature, based on traditional practice:
- Servitude (Apprenticeship) – apprentices must be above the age of 14 years and be apprenticed to a Liveryman of the Company for a period of no less than four years, starting before the age of 21;
- Patrimony – the sons or daughters of Liverymen born after the Liveryman had joined the Livery may become Liverymen by Patrimony; and
- Redemption – nowadays the most frequent – admission on payment of a Redemption ‘Fine’ to the Company.
- Yeomen – past prize-winners who were in further or higher education or in work at the time of winning one of the Company’s awards or prizes may apply to join the Company as “Yeomen” – click here for further information.
The Company is governed by a Court of Assistants comprising the Master, Upper Warden, Under Warden, Deputy Master (the immediate Past Master), some fifteen Assistants and all Past Masters. The Court normally meets five times each year, each meeting being followed by a Court Dinner which Liverymen and (on most occasions) their guests may attend.
The administrative work of the Company is carried out by the Clerk.
