Unveiling of the Haberdasher Tile at Cockpit Studios Deptford

The Company awarded a grant to contribute to the commission of a new piece of community art at charity partner Cockpit Studios in Deptford, southeast London. Created by local artist Amber Khokhar, the new artwork is made up of collaged triangular tiles, representing the rich mix of communities in the area. Entitled ‘Head, Heart, Hands’, […]
Queen Elizabeth II Scholars

The Haberdashers’ Company recognises Outstanding Service to Others with the Queen Elizabeth II Citizenship Award Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, the Company sought to find a way to acknowledge and commemorate the Queen’s remarkable seventy-year reign; a reign that was defined by selfless and loyal service, by tolerance […]
Haberdashers’ Character: Year 12 Leadership Conference

This event provides sixth form student leaders with practical skills to support them through their first experience of leadership, and inspirational role models to help them identify their own ambitious direction in life. In 2024 the Company hosted the inaugural student leadership conference. 85 student leaders visited Haberdashers’ Hall for a two-day event in order […]
John Banks: The Enigma Resolved

A Timber Merchant, Landlord and Property Developer Timber Merchant It has long been thought by the Company that John Banks, our Master Haberdasher in 1717 and our Benefactor too, was a silk merchant with the Levant. However actual evidence for this occupation seems to have been more linked to fanciful thinking of a haberdashery […]
Royal Maundy

The history of Royal Distribution on Maundy Thursday can be traced back with certainty to the thirteenth century and the first recorded Royal Distribution was at Knaresborough, North Yorkshire by King John in 1210, five years before Magna Carta. The distribution of alms and the washing of feet on the Thursday of Holy Week are […]
The Golden Conversation 2024

The Haberdashers’ Company recently hosted ‘The Golden Conversation’, an insightful and thought-provoking event centred around the theme of “Loving Your Neighbour in 21st Century Britain.” Featuring perspectives from two faith leaders, Imam Mohammed Mahmoud OBE and Reverend Graham Hunter, the event aimed to explore Christian and Muslim perspectives on serving the common good. Attendees, including […]
Hatcham X UEL: Coming Full Circle and Giving Back

As a University of East London (UEL) Alumnus, entrepreneur and professional footballer, Amadou Kassarate understands first-hand the pivotal role his environment played in propelling him to excel in academics, business, and elite sports. With a desire to offer invaluable insights to the next generation of students from Haberdasher students therefore, he took the initiative to […]
Why I volunteer

The magic of volunteering In my job I talk a lot about the ‘magic of teams’. The unknown factors that just make things work; the glue you can’t quite describe that brings a team together – one that on paper shouldn’t work but does. The chemistry, the collaboration, the trust, the belief in each other, […]
An ancient connection

The Company’s thriving patronages in Shropshire A quick online search reveals that Albrighton in Shropshire has an ancient connection with the haberdashery trade, as a manufacturer of buttons. This was in the early 1600s, at a similar time as when Dame Mary Weld left money in her will to purchase the patronage of Albrighton in […]
Tackling Knife Crime in London

The Ben Kinsella Trust tackles knife crime through education and campaigning. The charity was the recipient of one the 2023 Small Grants and here they tell us how they have used the money to help young people understand better about the dangers of carrying a weapon and how knife crime can be prevented in their […]