Upcoming events open to all
Ridley Lecture in London
From Tudor England to Tomorrow’s Classrooms: How the Livery Community and Christ’s Hospital are Pioneering Education for the Next Century
(Online) Whitechapel Lecture - IPM Alan Hughes 'English bells; the sound of castings'
Following his popular "gallop" through a millennium of bell history during the Covid-19 Lockdowns, Alan Hughes returns to the Whitechapel series to shine a spotlight on the most transformative era in British bell founding.
Alan will concentrate on the changes that took place, predominantly in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries due in large part to the influences, and in one case intervention, of four individuals wholly unconnected with the bell founding industry: a printer, an inventor, a Peer of the Realm, and a clergyman. Each one of them has left a lasting mark upon the bells that we hear and those still being produced.
About the Speaker:
Alan was educated at Christ’s Hospital, where he was a Skinners’ Company Presentee.
On leaving school in 1966, Alan immediately joined the family bell founding business. He worked his way up through the company, working in the foundry, bell frame fabrication shop, blacksmiths shop, with the site working team and in the drawing office, whilst studying Foundry Technology at what is now the University of the South Bank (LSBU). He became a shareholder and was appointed a director in 1972, becoming the 4th generation of the Hughes family to own the Whitechapel Bell Foundry.
Alan joined the Founders Company in 2000. He has served on the Industry Committee and since 2019 has been Honorary Secretary of the Historical Group. Alan is the fourth owner of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry business to serve as Master of the Founders’ Company.
Alan has been happily married to Kathryn for 39 years, and they have worked together at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry for most of that time. They have two children, Jennifer who is a pianist and Lizzie who is an HR Manager, and three lovely grandchildren.
Young Founders
Open to anyone 49 and under, this event is an ideal introduction to the Livery World. We especially encourage attendees who are in the casting, materials sciences and engineering sphere!
Glass: The World’s Most Important Material? Whitechapel Lecture (Online)
From ancient craftsmanship to cutting-edge innovation, glass has shaped human civilisation in ways few materials can rival.
In this 40-minute talk, Dr Sarah Harrold explores the remarkable journey of glass — a substance both ancient and futuristic — and reveals why it remains central to science, design, and sustainability today. There will be additional time for Q&A after the talk. Open to all who are interested.
Key Themes:
Origins & Essence of Glass
The Power of Glass in Today’s World
The Future of Glass
About Glass Futures
Glass Futures is driving the global transformation towards sustainable glassmaking. Through research, collaboration, and innovation, the organisation is helping shape a circular future for this extraordinary material.
About the Speaker
Dr Sarah Harrold is a materials specialist with expertise in glass innovation and sustainability. As a leading voice within the industry, she bridges science, policy and storytelling to inspire new thinking about one of humanity’s oldest — and most modern — materials, creating markets for innovation and sustainable products.
A talk about the Shrievalty by David Chalk, City Lay Sheriff 24/25
Talk: The Shrievalty – Past and Present
Speaker: David Chalk, City Lay Sheriff 2024–2025
Date & Time: Monday 17 November 2025
Arrivals from 16:30 for a 17:00 start
Venue: Founders’ Hall, Cloth Fair, London
The Worshipful Company of Founders is delighted to host a talk by David Chalk, City Lay Sheriff 2024–2025, who will share insights into the Shrievalty—its history, traditions, and his own experiences serving as Lay Sheriff.
This event is free and open to the public, but booking is essential as places are limited.
Following the talk, guests are warmly invited to book for a two-course supper at Founders’ Hall:
£82.50 including wine
£72.50 without wine
To book the lecture and/or supper please head to the bottom of this page.
About the Speaker
David Graham Forbes Chalk has had a distinguished career in marketing, strategy, and social care. He is the founding Managing Director of Windrush Care, a home-care agency in Gloucestershire, and has served on the board of the UK Homecare Association. A member of the Drapers’ Company since 1982, he was Master Draper in 2021–22 and now chairs its Charities Committee.
Elected City Lay Sheriff for 2024–25, David has focused his shrieval year on promoting understanding of the Old Bailey, supporting the Lord Mayor, and addressing the challenges of funding elderly care.
David is married to Miranda, with whom he has two sons.
Booking Form:
Lunch following the Election of the Lord Mayor
We're offering lunch following the Election of the Lord Mayor at £70 (incl. VAT) per head.
The menu is as follows:
Starter
Sliced Bresaola, Pickled Wild Mushrooms & Olives
Truffle Mayo Dressing, Herb Salad (GF)
Main
Slow Cooked Lamb Rump
Rosemary Roasted Fondant Potato, Ratatouille Vegetables
Drinks will include sparkling wine (not Prosecco) on arrival, followed by a choice of white or red wine. Coffee and chocolates will be served afterwards.
Livery Company Clerks please email a rough idea of numbers and then final numbers 2 weeks before to office@foundersco.org.uk
Whitechapel Lecture (online)
“Transforming the materials agenda for a sustainable planet: Opportunities and challenges”
Speaker: Professor Mark Jolly, FIMMM, FICME, CEng, CEnv
Professor of Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing at Cranfield University
Open to all as part of our Whitechapel Lecture Series
Founders' World Today
An overview of the Founders’ Company
Join us for an engaging and informative evening where the Master will provide an overview of the governance of the Founders’ Company and its associated charities. Committee Chairs will outline their current objectives and initiatives, and the Clerk will offer insight into the Company’s role within the City of London and how the City itself operates.
This event will be of particular interest to those considering joining the Company, recently admitted Freemen and Liverymen, and long-standing members curious to learn more about our structure and purpose.
Evening Schedule:
18:00 – Arrivals, drinks, finger food, and time to mingle
18:30 – 19:30 – Presentations and Q&A
19:30 – 20:00 – Further refreshments and networking
20:00 – Depart
We warmly welcome all who wish to deepen their understanding and connection with the Company.
Sign up for this event:
(Sold out) Translation of the King James version of the Bible, talk by Professor Helen Moore, President of Corpus Christi College, Oxford
Manifold Greatness: the Making of the King James Bible
By Professor Helen Moore, President of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, tells the story of the creation and immediate afterlife of the King James translation of the bible, first published in 1611. The King James Bible is the most printed book in existence, with one billion copies in print.
Open to all (Organised by the Historical Group)
Dress code: Lounge Suit
Timing:
Tea and biscuits from 16:30
Talk begins at 17:00 and ends at approximately 18:00
The talk will be followed by a two course supper provided by Life’s Kitchen, with a Q&A at the end which is also open to anyone who wishes to book. Pricing details are below.
If you would like to sign up for this event please complete the form below and a member of the team will be in touch to finalise your attendance.
This event is currently at capacity - please contact our office if you would like to be added to the waiting list for this event.
Talk by Michael St Maur-Shiel: Research into the roles of foundries, workers, and transport in the Great War
Open to all, organised by the Founders’ Historical Group
Young Founders
Open to anyone 49 and under, this event is an ideal introduction to the Livery World. We especially encourage attendees who are in the casting, materials sciences and engineering sphere!
Whitechapel Lecture (online)
“Taking a technology from readiness level one to nine - an idea to commercialisation and a business” - WAAM3D.
Speaker: Professor Stewart Williams
Centre Director, Welding and Additive Manufacturing Centre, Cranfield University.
Founder and Technical Director WAAM3D.
Open to all as part of our Whitechapel Lecture Series