The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers hosted a historic September Court Meeting and Livery Dinner under unseasonably balmy London skies, marking what is believed to be the Company’s first-ever visit to the iconic Salters’ Hall on London Wall Place.
While members had already refreshed their wardrobes for autumn, the cosy jumpers were left behind as the City basked in a beautiful, late-summer warm spell. The landmark evening perfectly blended ancient civic tradition with modern progress at the headquarters of the Worshipful Company of Salters, which ranks ninth in the City of London’s strict order of precedence as one of the prestigious Great Twelve Livery Companies.
First licensed as a guild by King Richard II in 1394, the Salters’ Company originated in the medieval salt trade, representing merchants dealing in salt, spices, and chemicals. In an era before refrigeration, salt was a critical commodity for food preservation, leather treating, and textile dyeing.
Today, the Salters have transitioned into a powerhouse of philanthropy and science education. Through the Salters’ Institute (founded in 1918), the Company funds critical chemistry curriculum resources, youth science camps, and prestigious student prizes across the UK.
The current hall stands as a rare and striking example of Brutalist architecture among London’s livery halls. Attendees experienced firsthand the building’s award-winning architectural updates. The redevelopment project carefully preserves Spence’s original vision while adding a striking new glass pavilion entrance, featuring interior details that pay homage to the geometric forms of crystalline rock salt.
The extended ceremonial and dining spaces comfortably hosted the large court contingent, offering state-of-the-art facilities blended with historic trade artefacts. The windows look out onto a secluded public garden incorporating preserved remnants of the ancient Roman London Wall.
The afternoon commenced with the quarterly Court meeting. Following the opening gavel, apologies, and committee report debates, the Court officially approved the Budget for 2027 and held its annual election of officers:
Master-Elect: Prime Warden David Hinton was elected to serve as Master for 2027. He will be officially installed at the December Court & Livery Dinner.
The remaining officers were elected en bloc, navigating standard rotations from Lay Court Assistants to Court Assistants, alongside one Past Master moving to Honorary Past Master.
The Company clothed a new Freeman in the Livery. Additionally, the Company Photographer was invited to make his declaration at the October meeting to become an Honorary Freeman in recognition of his years of dedicated support.
Following the Court’s adjournment, members and guests transitioned to the pre-dinner reception. The evening featured a vibrant display of talent, showcasing:
Glass Art: Featured work by glass artist Samantha Sweet.
Music: Performances by vocalist Alice Fisher and pianist Jeremy Chan (2023 Beethoven Piano Prize Winner).
Following the traditional Grace by the Chaplain, dinner was served. Liveryman Ron Reid welcomed the evening’s principal guest, HH Wendy Joseph KC, alongside the Master Arbitrator, his Clerk, the Master Environmental Cleaner, and other personal guests.
During the dinner, the results of the 200 Club Draw were announced, successfully raising vital funds for the Company’s Charity Fund.
In his final address, the Master outlined the fascinating parallels between the core materials of glass and salt, closing the formal proceedings with the final toast of the evening: “To GLASS!”
The memorable evening of camaraderie and fellowship concluded with a traditional stirrup cup, after which members departed into the warm September night.
