Thank you all very much for your congratulations
Sarah and I had really great day in the City, this involved going to London Guild Hall to be given the freedom of the city. It's a ceremony that takes about half an hour and culminates in you being given a certificate or passport (your freedom). This originated so that trusted master craftsmen could trade and do business with the merchants within the City (which would have been financially very rewarding).
http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/about-th ... -city.aspx
It's kind of ironic but when I had my own workshops at least 50% of my work was within the square mile but this is the first time I have been back for 15 years.
After the ceremony we went to the Furniture Makers Hall for me to become a Liveryman. This means I may be invited to advice on the relevant committees, Education and training and possibly the Guild Mark Awards or what ever they see fit for me. I understand the main reasons for my admittance to the Livery is for my work in promoting furniture making, developing the school and supporting the English tool makers.
http://www.furnituremkrs.co.uk/Standard ... &qsID=1932
The day was topped off with a grand dinner at the Taylor's Hall, all very different from working behind the bench in my normal workshop scruffs. I had to hire a black tie as the last time a tried mine on was 16 years ago, which didn't fit!
The robe in the picture is what I was "enclothed" in, becoming a freeman is a tradition that goes back almost 800 years for master craftsmen and one I feel very honoured to be part of.
I face booked about the days events Sarah and I enjoyed last week and have been amazed by the response the photos have received.
https://www.facebook.com/peter.sefton.75
Cheers Peter
