The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers welcomed a new era of leadership on 9 December 2025, as Liverymen and distinguished guests gathered for the Court & Livery Dinner at the historic Stationers’ Hall. Steeped in tradition and illuminated by the warmth of fellowship, the evening marked the formal installation of Master Matthew Demmon, alongside the new Prime Warden David Hinton and Renter Warden Richard Gundle.
A distinguished setting for a significant occasion, Stationers’ Hall, with its oak-panelled splendour, stained glass windows and centuries-old lineage, provided a fitting backdrop for a ceremony that blends heritage with forward-looking purpose. As members and guests assembled in the Court Room for pre-dinner drinks, conversation flowed easily—an atmosphere of anticipation accompanying the transition of office.
The procession into the Hall, led with customary formality, signalled the beginning of the Company’s final great gathering of the year. The silver, regalia, and music combined to honour the continuity of the Livery’s traditions while celebrating its future.
Installation of the New Master and Wardens, The central moment of the evening came with the installation of the new Master, Matthew Demmon, who took his oath and donned the Master’s insignia. His installation speech reflected gratitude, humility, and a clear commitment to the Company’s core values, service to the City of London, support for education and the glass industry, and dedication to fellowship among Liverymen. Master Demmon also paid warm tribute to his predecessor, James Armitage, thanking him for his leadership and the momentum built over the past year. He was joined in office by David Hinton, installed as Prime Warden, and Richard Gundle, installed as Renter Warden—both long-standing contributors to the Company’s activities. Their appointments were met with enthusiastic applause, recognising their substantial involvement in the Company’s charitable, educational and industry-focused work.
The Dinner of Fellowship and Celebration that followed was a celebration in the truest sense of Livery tradition. Guests enjoyed a carefully crafted seasonal menu, complemented by fine wines and spirited conversation. Toasts were delivered with customary elegance—the Royal Toast, the toast to the Lord Mayor and the City of London Corporation, and, of course, the toast to the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers itself.
Guests were treated to an impromptu programme of music lead by Jeremy Chan, the 2023 Glass Sellers Beethoven Piano Prize winner, along with Lydia Shariff, Caroline Bourg and Mark Bautista, whose operetta favourites and seasonal selections added charm and atmosphere throughout the evening.
The principal guest and speaker, Adrian Hawks, offered reflections on the importance of collaboration between heritage organisations and modern industry, particularly in areas such as craft, sustainability, and education. His remarks drew clear parallels with the Company’s ongoing charitable work in schools and with young people, earning warm approval from those in attendance.
The Company was also delighted to welcome Colonel Wendy Adams & Major Tony Adams, representing the Army Cadet Force, Michael Dodd, Master Glover, Daniel Szor, Master Distiller, & his Clerk, James Bryan. Johanne Moss, Administrator from St. James Garlickhythe, Robert Wren, Master Clockmaker, Tim McNally, Master Glazier and Painters of Glass & his retiring Clerk, Liz Wickstead
As the evening drew to a close, Master Demmon shared his aspirations for the coming year. Key themes included expanding the Company’s support for education and schools, deepening engagement with the modern glass sector, strengthening links with other Livery Companies and continuing to enhance fellowship within the Glass Sellers community.
His message was one of optimism and continuity—a commitment to maintaining the rich traditions of the Livery while ensuring its relevance and impact in contemporary society.
A memorable beginning to a New Livery Year. With music drawing the evening to a dignified conclusion, guests departed Stationers’ Hall with a shared sense of pride and renewed purpose. The Court & Livery Dinner of 9 December 2025 will be remembered not only as a celebration of new leadership but as a moment that reaffirmed the unity, history, and forward-looking spirit of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers.
