Furniture Makers to hold next sustainability event focussed on material choices

The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, is hosting its next sustainability event focussed on examining some of the established and widely used materials in the furniture and furnishings sector. The seminar, which is sponsored by the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme (FISP), Ocee & Four Design, Panaz and Satra Technology, will be held on Tuesday 4 March at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London. Organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, the event will include presentations on foam, fabrics, textiles, leather and wood. In addition, new materials will be discussed and the necessary investigations in relation to recycled content, future recyclability and other implications.

Joanna Knight, chairman of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee at The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “Materials have arguably the greatest impact on a product’s sustainability credentials so what are the considerations to support greater environmental and social responsibility? We will be examining a range of materials which are widely used throughout our industry. As a sector, we will continue to use many of these products for the foreseeable future and this event will explore the measures we should be taking to use them in a more sustainable way.”

Following the presentations, there will be a series of ‘round tables’ hosted by members of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee. This activity will provide the opportunity for interactive discussions and debate.

Tickets cost £25.00 including lunch but are free of charge to members of The Furniture Makers’ Company: https://MaterialChoices.eventbrite.co.uk

Image: Ocee & Four Design

The Furniture Makers’ Company is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London, with a long history dating back to the early 17th century. It was formally established in 1959 when it became a Livery Company, but its origins can be traced back to earlier guilds that represented furniture makers, joiners, and upholsterers.

• History and Origins: The Furniture Makers’ Company was originally formed as the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers in 1959, although the roots of the company go back to 1911 when it was first established as an association for furniture makers and designers. It’s one of the more recent Livery Companies, which means it doesn’t have as long a history as some others, but it still carries a significant legacy in the world of British furniture craftsmanship.
• Role and Purpose: The company’s role is to promote and support the British furniture industry. It encourages and advances the art of furniture making and related trades. This includes fostering high standards of craftsmanship, ensuring the development of the skills required, and advocating for the interests of those in the furniture industry.
• Activities: The Furniture Makers’ Company plays an important role in providing support and recognition for people within the furniture industry, from young apprentices to established professionals. The Company also funds awards and educational initiatives, such as the Furniture Makers’ Company Scholarship and The Design Guild Mark.
• Membership: Members of the Furniture Makers’ Company are typically professionals in the furniture industry, such as furniture designers, manufacturers, retailers, and other associated trades. They can be made up of freemen, liverymen, and court members, with privileges increasing the more senior the position within the company.
• Charitable Work: The company also has a charitable arm that provides support to individuals working within the furniture industry who are facing financial difficulty, illness, or hardship.
• Livery and Tradition: As with many Livery Companies, members wear a ceremonial livery (a traditional uniform), and the company holds formal events, including dinners, banquets, and awards ceremonies. The company’s emblem and coat of arms reflect the values and heritage of the craft, with symbols related to woodworking and design.
• Influence on Furniture Design: The Furniture Makers’ Company is highly influential in shaping the standards and direction of furniture design and manufacturing in the UK. It acts as a hub for professionals to share knowledge, innovation, and trends within the furniture world.