Masters’ & Clerks’ Lunch – Guest Speaker John Benjamin – 28th April 2026

Our guest speaker will be John Benjamin. John is a jewellery historian, lecturer and writer. A Freeman of the Goldsmiths’ Company and a Founder Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars, he will be installed as its Master in May this year.

John is author of Collecting Jewellery and co-author with Paul Atterbury of Arts and Crafts to Art Deco; The Jewellery and Silver of H.G.Murphy. A Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and President of Henley Arts Society he was a regular contributor for over 30 years to BBC Television’s ever-popular Antiques Roadshow.

John was appointed The National Trust’s Honorary Jewellery Adviser in 2021 and is currently in the process of curating the Trust’s entire collection of jewellery, gems and Faberge.

Lunch will be preceded by a special session during which John will be delighted to inspect, identify, describe and value one item of jewellery which you choose to bring along on the day. Should you wish to take part in this rare opportunity, please be at Grocers’ Hall from 1030 a.m. Places for this session are limited and will be allocated on a “first come first served” basis. Full details of how to participate in this unique experience will be provided nearer the date.

We will be joined by Masters and Clerks from several other Livery Companies, as well as clothing six new liverymen.

The cost of the reception, three course lunch and wine will be £115. Dress code is lounge suit or equivalent with Livery badges. Members are welcome to bring guests to this event. Please apply through the website no later than Tuesday 21st April.

I look forward to seeing you at what we hope will be a unique event.

Debbie Abergil

Clerk