News
Livery Companies competing on the golf course
A team of 4 Turners joined teams from 45 other livery companies to compete for the prestigious Prince Arthur Cup on 19 May at Walton Heath golf club. Over 36 holes were played in a classic foursomes format, our best showing was Les Thorne and Nigel Luson coming 6th on the New Course. Read more »
Turners will be at the Becket Pageant for London
Come visit the turners stand at the Becket Pageant in Guildhall Yard on 17th and 18th June, where Amy Leake will be demonstrating the fascinating craft of pole lathe turning. This is a free event involving a Livery Crafts Fair, open from 11 am to 4 pm. Read more »
Royal visit to the Turners stand at the Big Curry Lunch
Royal visitors were welcomed to the Turners stand at the Big Curry Lunch where £2,800 was raised for the Soldiers' Charity. The Princesses were given gifts of a honey drizzler each, turned by Colin Norgate and originally bought by the Company as part of the Turning for Good Lockdown project. Read more »
Charity
The Turners’ Company Charity
For 400 years (from bread for the poor in Ludgate in the 1600s, to supporting students suffering ‘device poverty’ during Covid 19), the Company’s history describes how, from its earliest days “the Turners, in common with most other Livery Companies, inherited a tradition of charity and benevolence”. Read more »
How you can support the Charity
On joining the Company, every Freeman is asked to promise that they will give an annual sum of at least £150 to the Charitable Trust, and if, as a Freeman or Liveryman, you are not already doing this, please do so. Read more »
Support & donations in 2020 & 2021
Throughout the 2020-2021 pandemic, the Charity has supported a number of good causes, including Livery Schools Link, a fundraising campaign to help buy laptops and tablets for the most disadvantaged students in secondary schools who are suffering device poverty. Read more »
Public events
‘Ye Leaves Be Green’ Concert
Programme devised and directed by Professor Ian Wilson, this is the final concert in the GGS's concert series 'A Musical Celebration of Grinling Gibbons'. To be held in St Mary Abchurch, on 23rd June, tickets are £15, payable on the door only, pre booking via email essential. Read more »
London’s Turbulent Son – a musical
As part of the Becket Pageant for London, 'London's Turbulent Son' is a thrilling modern musical interpretation of the dramatic life of former Patron Saint of London, Thomas Becket, inspired by an historic guild Pageant of 1519. Performances on June 17th and 18th, booking required. Read more »
Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fairs
Purchase from a stunning treasure trove of original and affordable designs created by some of the finest jewellers and silversmiths in the UK. At Chelsea Old Town Hall from 27th to 29th May. Read more »
Members' events
Members only event
Court and Summer Reception
Be prepared to be wowed at the Company Summer Reception on 14th July where you will be able to view and purchase work from our bursary award winners 2022. We will again enjoy wine and canapes in the special atmosphere of Apothecaries' Hall courtyard. Read more »
Members only event
Election of Sheriffs
All Liverymen are invited to attend Common Hall at Guildhall, on Friday 24 June for the Election of the Sheriffs. The office of the Sheriff is the oldest civic office in the City (older even than the office of the Lord Mayor itself). Tickets are limited to 30, so book early to avoid disappointment. Read more »
Members only event
Election Court and Dinner
After a decision taken by the Court of Assistants in 2020, the Election Court Dinner was due to be opened up to all Liverymen and Freemen. This dinner open to all members was postponed so will now happen on Thursday 26th May 2022. Please join us to celebrate the new Master's accession to the post. Read more »
Features
Lady Gertrude Crawford, a remarkable turner
Lady Gertrude Eleanor Crawford was borne into an aristocratic family of turners but established her own mark as a lady turner at a time in history when it was very much a man’s world but proved she was as good as any of them. She was recognised by the Turners’ Company for her skill as […] Read more »
The Turners’ Consort
The Turners’ Company charity has commissioned a ‘consort’ of eight turned medieval-style recorders. Made by Tim Cranmore, one of the UK’s leading instrument makers, the Turners' Consort will be loaned to the Guildhall School of Music & Drama for teaching and student performances. Read more »
History of church bells
Bells are amongst the smallest, largest and loudest of musical instruments. First cast over 5,000 years ago, bells become common in the medieval monasteries of Europe. In the City of London, the Turners’ Company is closely linked to the bells of St Paul’s Cathedral, Bow Church and St Lawrence Jewry. Read more »
About the Company
Company
One of the oldest Livery Companies in the City of London, the Turners’ Company was already a guild in the 12th Century. To this day the Company continues to celebrate and support the ‘art or mysterie’ of turning. Read more »
The Master’s Letter
Melissa Scott was elected Master Turner on Ascension day, May 21st 2020, becoming the second lady Master Turner in 400 years. Technology has moved on since then to enable a virtual election via zoom which was very successful. Read more »
The Turner Magazine
The Turner is the annual magazine of the Turners' Company. Subjects include the Company and its members, the craft of turning, educational and charitable activities and the City of London. The July 2020 edition is available to view now online. Read more »