Master Charles Brooks Hosts Arts Scholars at Amberley – 8 October 2025
On Wednesday 8th October Master Charles Brooks hosted 7 members of the Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars in Amberley. This was in part reciprocating the hospitality that he and others from the Company had received when we were their guests at the Mudlarking Exhibition of finds from the River Thames at the London Dockland Museum earlier in May.
The Arts Scholars guests included their current Master Deborah Charles and her Consort Malcolm Knight, Immediate Past Master Roy Sully and his Consort Shirley and Deputy Master Georgina Gough.
The ensemble with their moulds
The morning began with a short introduction to the PMWT and the work that is done in the Gin Building at Amberley from PM David Hamilton and PM Steve Hodkinson followed by an introduction to Amberley Museum by the Museum Director Katrina Burton. Then it was time for everyone to don overalls, protective glasses and gloves and set to in casting lead moulds, filing, bossing, oiling, et al. We were split up in to four different groups and taken through the whole process by the Demonstrator team of Liverymen Peter Cheesman and Eddie McCourt together with Alain Cockburn and Chris Davis. Our home team also included Penny the Mistress Plumber, Master Elect Sandra Raine and Consort Ian, Renter Warden Elect Michael Cooper and his consort Felicity, IPM David Adams and Steward Patty Grant.
The Lead Demonstrator at work
Our Demonstrators
Demonstrator Lvy Eddie McCourt in demonstrator mode
After everyone had got their hands dirty, we repaired to the near-by Bridge Inn for an enjoyable lunch and further discussions on our craft, after which the Arts Scholars returned to explore more of the Museum.
The Master is most grateful to everyone in our home team for helping host our scholarly friends and making such a special day for them, but in particular to Peter, Eddie, Alain and Chris.
Charles Brooks / 08.10.2025