It is sometimes assumed that the Livery movement is very much centred on the City of London. But anyone who knows the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London will know that nothing could be further from the truth!
The Glass Sellers are a wonderfully diverse Company, bringing together glass manufacturers, glass artists, designers, enthusiasts and people from all walks of life. Our members live right across the United Kingdom and come together for many reasons — a love of glass, friendship and camaraderie, a commitment to charitable work, or simply a desire to enjoy and preserve the wonderful traditions of the City of London.
And this year, the Company really did prove that our horizons extend well beyond the Square Mile.
Our Master, who resides in the delightful village of Christleton, just outside Chester and close to the picturesque Shropshire Union Canal, decided that the Company’s charitable activities deserved a rather special celebration. Rather than inviting us to “go down to the woods today,” the Master and Mistress invited members to go up to Chester for a spectacular charity fundraiser — with a wonderfully eccentric Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in their garden!
Members arrived by every conceivable mode of transport. Cars and trains brought many to Chester, while a particularly adventurous group even travelled by narrowboat along the famous Shropshire Union Canal. Now that is what you call making an entrance!
The Company’s charity work is as diverse as its membership, supporting organisations and individuals across the country. Among its aims is encouraging an appreciation of glass by supporting glass artists and schools undertaking glass-themed projects — helping to spark an interest in this extraordinary material among the next generation.
And, naturally, a Glass Sellers event would not be complete without a generous helping of fun.
The Mad Hatter theme was embraced with enthusiasm, with members turning up in an extraordinary assortment of hats, costumes and wonderfully eccentric creations. It was clear that, for one afternoon at least, normal rules of fashion had been firmly abandoned!
Guests were welcomed with glasses of sparkling wine, providing the perfect summer fizz as everyone settled into the garden. Popcorn, prawn cocktails and hummus soon began circulating, before guests were summoned to the pièce de résistance — a magnificent buffet prepared by the Mistress.
There was something for everyone: salmon, chicken, slow-cooked lamb and an abundance of colourful salads, all beautifully prepared and presented. Plates were piled high, and guests settled beneath gazebos and umbrellas, enjoying the food, sunshine and, of course, each other’s company.
And just when everyone thought they had seen it all, a close-up magician appeared, moving from table to table and leaving guests wondering whether they had witnessed genuine magic or simply consumed too much sparkling wine!
As the afternoon progressed, the food continued to appear. Puddings arrived, followed by magnificent cheese boards, ensuring that nobody could possibly leave hungry.
Then came the transformation. As the sun began its gentle descent over Christleton, the garden seemed to take on a life of its own. Pretty lights began to twinkle in every corner, transforming the garden into a magical evening setting worthy of Wonderland itself.
With glasses raised, laughter flowing and friendships being renewed, the evening continued long after the Mad Hatter would normally have gone home.
Eventually, with much merriment, conversation and — perhaps — a little more imbibing than strictly necessary, the gathering began to disperse. Members slipped away into the Cheshire night, thoroughly well fed, entertained and, above all, delighted to have shared another memorable Glass Sellers occasion.
It was a wonderful reminder that while our Company may carry the proud traditions of the City of London, the spirit of the Glass Sellers stretches far beyond the City walls — wherever our members may live, and wherever there is good glass, good company and good fun to be found.
All in all, it was a truly splendid day — and one that even the Mad Hatter would have been proud to host!
