A message from the Prime Warden
Dear Fellow Basketmakers,
As we bid farewell to 2024 and look forward to a promising 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the past year and share some of the exciting events that lie ahead for our Company.
This past year has been one of fellowship and renewed connection. Together, we have upheld the proud traditions of our company and embraced lots of wonderful events highlighted in the Annual Review of IPPW Lady Lauriston’s year, of which you will receive a copy shortly. Your enthusiasm and support have been truly wonderful.
Looking forward, we will have much to celebrate in 2025. It will be our two hundredth anniversary of the receipt of our Grant of Livery, an event which will be celebrated at an extended Court dinner on 7 May to which all members of the Company will be invited. Another anniversary that we will be celebrating is that of the 50th anniversary of the Basketmakers Association which will be a focus of our Trade Dinner on 16 July alongside the results of our bi-annual Basketery Competition.
Two other key events deserve to be highlighted. First, we mark the start of our year ahead with the Livery Dinner at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall on 22 January, a special occasion to come together in friendship and celebration of the New Year. This event will be particularly special as we welcome the Commanding Officer of HMS Richmond and several members of his crew ahead of their extended engagement later in the year as part of the UK’ Task Force’s deployment to the Far East.
In April, we have the much-anticipated Prime Warden's Weekend in Cambridge on 12-14 April This weekend offers a chance to deepen our bonds as a Company while experiencing the rich history and culture of one of England's most iconic cities. More details will follow, but I encourage you to reserve the dates and prepare for a truly memorable experience.
As we embark on this new chapter, I encourage you to remain engaged with the life of the Company. You will find all the future events listed in the events section of our website so please do note the dates. Our shared journey is enriched by your participation, ideas, and enthusiasm. Whether attending events, supporting our charitable efforts, or championing the craft of basketmaking, each of you plays an essential role in the life our Company and shaping its future.
May 2025 bring you and your loved ones health, happiness, and fulfilment. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events and sharing another year of fellowship, tradition and shared purpose.
With warmest wishes for a very Happy New Year.
Warmest wishes,
Julian
Julian Adams, 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.
