52. Modern Liveries’ Dinner The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars, rch 2023


The Modern Livery Companies (those granted livery status since 1932) dine together twice a year and host the dinner in turn according to precedence.  This time the Arts Scholars, (those involved in antiques, decoration and applied art) the 110th livery company, were our hosts in the impressive setting of the Brewers’ Hall.  The Thames Warden Martin Bigg and the Walbrook Warden Carolyn Roberts represented the Water Conservators.  It was a great opportunity to link up with and learn from other companies.

The guest speaker was HH Judge Wendy Joseph KC, Master Pewterer and Freeman of the Arts Scholars.  She was only the third woman to sit as a permanent judge in the Old Bailey.  She gave a powerful presentation on the history of the Old Bailey and its predecessors, including the work and impact of Elizabeth Fry and Charles Dickens.   She observed that the typical defendant was 16-24, male, at a very low stage in their life, and described the tragic circumstances that resulted in an appearance in court.  She spoke positively of her work on diversity and overcoming narrow privilege.

She set us all an example on how we can make a change for good.

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