Newsletter
From the Master
The end of my year is rapidly approaching - Richard Saxon was elected at the Election Court meeting on 4 July to succeed me - and this is the last time I shall contribute to this page, so I will take the opportunity to reflect on the last nine months. Being on the Court of Assistants and then a Warden gives a valuable insight into the working of a Livery Company that Freeman and Liveryman probably do not appreciate. Becoming Master gives you yet another perspective and better understanding of how Livery Companies and the City of London operate. It is a fascinating experience with a wide variety of functions - yes, lunches and dinners, but also lectures, charity events and visits. Those in the Company who have preceded me in this office will appreciate the camaraderie of your fellow Masters and indeed, Clerks. I could never have guessed what a rewarding time it would be a year from which I shall take many happy and emotional memories.
Issue 1 - July 2005
handicapped children pleasant and fulfilling. I greatly enjoyed taking part in the judging of the New City Architecture Award and the Companys Drawing Prize at the Summer Exhibition. We were grateful to Paul Finch who chaired the Awards Assessment Panel and to Eva Jiricna, who, as the Royal Academician on the judging panel, guided our deliberations at the Summer Exhibition. We have had our embarrassing moments - when the Lord Mayor tried to present the New City Architecture Award to the owners of Warwick Court, it was more than the security officer's job's worth to let us in to do it. Whatever happened to that champagne we were promised there? So now it is time for me to say thank you to our Clerk for his untiring help and advice, my Wardens for their support, the Stewards and members of the various committees for their hard work and to all of you who have attended the Company's functions - I hope you have enjoyed them.
Also to my wife, Jill, for her presence on many occasions (her quote at a recent dinner at Mansion House "Oh, no! Detail of plaque in place in the Upper Chamber of Temple Bar We're on the top table -again!" Participation in the Lord Mayor's To which I replied, "Make the Show last November was, as always, fun. Two days before most of it, next year you'll be on the bottom table, again") Temple Bar had been reopened by the previous Lord and especially for looking after the children at other times Mayor, Alderman Robert Finch, and of course we held our when I was out at all hours enjoying myself attending 21st Birthday Reception in the upper chamber there last functions on behalf of the Company. month. Amongst our own functions, our Livery Banquet in Drapers' Hall stands out not only for the magnificence of I look forward to my final three months, which will have the Hall, but for me when the fire alarm went off during my included a Buckingham Palace Garden Party by the time speech! I found the TeamBuild Competition weekend at you read this and look back on a time from which I will Loughborough University to be a rewarding chance to see retain many fond memories of what has been a most young professionals from various branches of the enriching experience. Thank you to the Company for construction industry working together. The visit to affording me this privilege. I wish Richard and his team all Treloar's School at Alton was most moving - seeing how the the very best for what will, I am sure, be a memorable year staff work magnificently to make the lives of severely for the Company.
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News from the Court
The main business before the July meeting of the Court is the election of the officers of the Company for the coming year. Richard Saxon was elected to serve as Master, John Millard as Upper Warden, Jonathan Ball as Renter Warden and Ian Head as Junior Warden. They will be installed at the next meeting in September. Alan Downing was elected to the Deputy Wardens post. A profile of the new Master will be published in the next Newsletter along with a list of Committee members and other officers of the Company. David Falla was elected as an Assistant on the Court. David Falla DipArch ACArch RIBA RICS ACIOB David studied architecture at Kinston-upon-Thames prior to registering with ARCUK and joining the RIBA in 1976. He was an Associate with Andrews Downie & Kelly until setting up Falla Associates International Limited in 1980. He currently serves on RIBA Council, is Vice President of the Guernsey Society of Architects, Chairman of the South Eastern Region of the RIBA and is the Architectural Advisor for the St Peter Port Town Centre Partnership and an advisor to St James Concert Hall, Guernsey. While the practice is based in Guernsey, David spends much of his time in London - he is currently working on a number of projects in the capital and has handled projects in Scandanavia, France, Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Canada and Japan. Among its more usual business the Court also agreed in principle to the introduction of a Companion of the Company class of membership. This is to be open to spouses or partners of members. The final details, benefits and costs will be resolved at the next meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee. Agreed also was support for a lecture to be given at the RIBA in October by Professor Isabel Rigol from the School of Architecture at Havana University entitled The Saving of a Heritage City - Working with Havanas Architectural Heritage. Professor Rigol gave a very clear introduction to the architecture of Cuba and gave much time showing a selection of the more interesting buildings to members of the Company who visited the island in February .
A prize is to be offered at an exhibition entitled Vision 05 Art by Architects. The exhibition is to be held at Cadogan Hall,Sloane Square from 8 November to 3 December.
Recent Events
This years Livery Banquet was held in Drapers Hall with Sir Nicholas Grimshaw CBE PRA as the principal guest. The Company also entertained the Masters of a number of other Companies including the York Guild of Building and parties from those involved in the winning and commended schemes for the New City Architecture Awards for 2004. The Certificates were kindly presented by Alderman Sir Robert Finch. Shown below is the official party.
In an unscripted moment, Past Master Michael West presented the Master with a Company 21st birthday cake commissioned for the occasion. There is no truth in the rumour that it was the candles which set off the fire alarm in the building. These were quickly extinguished by the Master to the acompaniment of a rendition of Happy Birthday by members of the Merbecke Choir who had entertained all present earlier in the evening. The visit to the RIBA Drawings Collection at the V&A had also been an enjoyable if sparsely attended occasion. The chance to see many of the RIBAs drawings and models so well displayed was welcome. The visit served as a reminder that the Company had, during the Mastership of Ashley Barker, embarked on a scheme to encourage members of to donate a drawing (of whatever type) from their own hand or from their office as the basis of an archive collection. The scheme had faltered due to the lack of decision as to where the drawings would be held. The V&A have indicated a willingness to hold such a collection in our name alongside the two Wren drawings which the Company purchased some years ago and which they already hold. Details will be finalized and circulated. 2
Having announced the results of the New City Architecture Award at the Banquet, it remained for the Lord Mayor to accept an invitation from the Company to present the Award Plaque at the winning building - Warwick Court in Paternoster Square. This took place on Monday 20 May when the plaque was accepted on behalf of the team by Jeremy Estop of MacCormac Jamieson Prichard. The event was attended by a slight element of farce. The security guard in the building refused to allow the presentation party consisting of the Lord Mayor (in his own Ward), the Sheriffs and selected representatives from the owners of the building, members of the Company etc to perform their duties in the lobby. Unfazed by this turn of events, the party retreated to a sunny Paternoster Square for the ceremony.
The Annual Service and Election Court Dinner had a distinctly different feel about them this year. We were greeted to St Sepulchres Church by an impressive display of bell ringing by a selection of the Masters camapnologist colleagues, treated to some wonderful music from the choir at what is, after all, the City musicians church and then sternly upbraided in a sermon given by the Rector, The Rev Dr Peter Mullen. The Dinner at Cutlers Hall went well. The Company entertained the Coxswains of the Fishguard and Barmouth Lifeboats and their ladies and a number of other guests including the Master Engineer, the Master Parish Clerk and Phillida Shaw - the Master of the Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass who responded to the toast to the Guests. The Master presented the Companys annual ABS Award - made to the person or organization who makes the most significant contribution to fundraising for the Charity. This years recipient - RIBA President George Ferguson - was unable to be present and the platter (decorated this year by Sir Terry Farrell) was collected on his behalf by Peter Murray who was one of the party of intrepid cyclists who, in undertaking the charity ride in Cuba, raised a substantial sum for the ABS. The Presidents contribution had amounted to 20,000.
Mrs Jill Thomson, Jeremy Estop, The Master, John Millard, Rt Hon The Lord Mayor and the Clerk
Members of the Company were gratified to hear the Lord Mayor speak glowingly of the role played by Stuart Murphy in the founding of the Company and of his efforts during his time as City Architect to find a home in the City for the monument. Pictured here are Jane and Giles Murphy with Past Master Patricia Stewart in the Upper Chamber. Many members of the Company and other guests were then given the chance to share a celebratory drink and look at the Upper Chamber. The Company was most grateful to the owners of the adajcent Paternoster Lodge for the use of the room in their building.
Letter from the Master Elect
Dear Colleagues My year will, I hope, be a stimulating one for everyone. Inevitably it will reflect my interests, in the reform of the construction industry and the modernisation of our profession. There will also be some fun. In September at my installation lunch we will hear from the then new president of the RIBA, Jack Pringle, about his hopes and plans for the profession. In October I invite you all to the Master's Reception on the 19th at Christ Church, Spitalfields. This outstanding building has been gorgeously restored and we will hear from Red Mason who has worked on it for 30 years. In November there is the Lord Mayor's Show, but also a visit to Rab Bennetts' office to see the work of a top-class practice building in the City. December sees our traditional Carol Service.
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January will feature a Court lunch whilst the new year gets properly started with the Milo lecture in February. I have invited myself to talk on "The Future of the Architectural Profession" at the RIBA. In March our Livery Banquet will be back at the Mansion House on the 27th and our guest speaker will be Sir Michael Latham. In April we will have an evening function after the Court. May sees a visit to the offices of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, another Clerkenwell practice of national significance. We will also have a long weekend in Lyon, one of France's less well known gems but one where my former practice has links. The food is better than that of Cuba too. June is now full of architectural festivals: the second London Architecture Biennale, Architecture Week and the City of London Festival Architecture programme. That is enough for anyone, but the Company may get involved in a planned way. July's Election Court dinner will, I hope, be addressed by Sunand Prasad, one of our profession's most persuasive thinkers. There are also ideas of a summer 2006 trip to Chicago and Pittsburgh, homes to some of the 20th Century's finest buildings, best jazz and greatest art. The programme is designed to appeal not just to you, but to architects you know and who may have an interest in joining us. Recruitment is a major need. I hope you will pitch in with me and develop the Company's presence in the profession and the City. Yours sincerely, Richard G Saxon CBE Details of many of the events are noted on Page 5.
10 Gresham Street, Foster & Partners 1 London Wall, Foster & Partners Three buildings were short-listed and one mentioned in despatches. The mention was the Foster & Partners building, Number One London Wall - resembling a 30s liner, the judges liked the bravura response to the site, the way links were created to the London Museum, and the curvilinear form of the building reminiscent of interwar buildings like Peter Jones. The short-listed buildings were: 87 - 95 Queen Victoria Street. - The judges liked the sweeping roof, the continuity of materials, the use of artworks at street level, the simplicity of the design, and the elliptical columns. This is a difficult street to improve but the judges thought this building did a good job. Warwick Court, Paternoster Square - The judges thought this was the most successful of the new office buildings on the Square, which had been well modelled, had no 'dead' elevations, and which had used projecting bays to good effect at ground level, allowing for retail and restaurant use and adaptation to allow for plant room ventilation. The scale of the building was admired, as was the highly successful rear elevation and secondary entrance. The building was considered a success in the long view, where the William Whitfield arcade was less noticeable. 10 Gresham Street - the judges were struck immediately by the strength and impact of this large but discreet building. Stone corner towers with glazed lanterns contrasted with Miesian facades to good effect, while the curved glazed entrance faade, with geometrically corresponding steps and impressive disabled access ramps made a significant contribution to the street. The judges awarded a commendation to 10 Gresham Street. The winner of the 2005 award was Warwick Court in Paternoster Square. This year's assessors were: Paul Finch, Nigel Thomson , John Millard, Alan Downing, Dr Mervyn Miller, Liverymen Tony Judd and David Lockwood.and the Clerk.
New City Architecture Award
Assessors Report The 12 entries eligible for this year's award were of a noticeably higher standard than those of the past two years, and made for an enjoyable morning's tour and judging. The buildings were: Tower Place, Lower Thames Street, Foster & Partners 60-63 Fenchurch Street, John McAslan & Partners 6 Swiss Re Building, 35 St Mary Axe, Foster & Partners 10 - 15 Lombard Street, Sidell Gibson Architects 87 - 95 Queen Victoria Street, Sheppard Robson Architects Warwick Court, Paternoster Square - MacCormac Jamieson Pritchard King Edward Court, Paternoster Square, Eric Parry Architects with Sheppard Robson St Martin's Court, Paternoster Square, Allies & Morrison Building 4, Paternoster Square - Siddell Gibson Architects 11 - 12 Foster Lane & 1 Carey Street, Hamilton Associates
And on the subject of Awards, the Companys Prize for Drawing at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition was won by Justyna Karakiewicz. The judges search for skill in draughting coupled with the ability to express the intention behind the drawing through the selected medium was found in this carefully detailed work. The artist similtaneously managed to define the multiple spaces, to get light into the inner spaces and to achieve a transparency through which the various layers of the drawing were expressed. This was an artist in total command of her medium. Her other two submitted drawings further showed her command of pen and ink technique. A Commendation was awarded for a set of three collage drawings by C J Lim.
Cuba Lecture at the RIBA - Tuesday 25 October - This lecture - entitled The Saving of a Heritage City is to be given by Professor Isabel Rigol of the University of Havana. The event will be advertised and ticketed by the RIBA as part of their autumn lecture series but it is hoped that as many members of the Company as possible will attend. It is hoped that there will be a glass or two of wine before the event.. Further details will be sent out nearer the time. The Company will again be taking part in the Lord Mayors Show which will be on Saturday 12 November. For those wishing to attend, there will be the possibility of lunch at Plaisterers Hall as last year. Again, further details to follow. The Annual Carol Service will be held on Wednesday 14 December in conjunction with the Furniture Makers Company. The venues for both Service and the following supper are yet to be finalized. The Peter Milo Memorial Lecture is currently being scheduled with the RIBA in February - details will be announced in the next newsletter. A date has been fixed for the Annual Dinner at the Mansion House - Monday 27 March.The Master Elect has invited Sir Michael Latham to be his principal Guest - please put the date in you diaries now. Friday 31 March - United Guilds Service at St Pauls Cathedral followed by lunch at Plaisterers Hall. Monday 3 July - Annual Service at St Lawrence Jewry and Election Court Dinner at Armourers and Brasiers Hall Sunand Prasad is to be the guest speaker.
Coming Company Events
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September - Open House Weekend - Stephen Wagstaffe has once again volunteered to organize those City Churches who are opening their doors for the period and members of a number of organizations (including the Company) who are willing to undertake stewarding duties for a morning or afternoon. Could those who are able to spare a few hours during this period please contact Stephen on 07956 881848 or
[email protected]. as soon as possible. The Installation Court Lunch will again be held at Trinity House on Monday 19 September. A calling notice is accompanying this newsletter. The speaker will be the newly installed President of the RIBA - Jack Pringle. Ticket prices have been set at 54.00 per head for a three course lunch which is expected to finish by 2.30pm. Common Hall for the Election of the Lord Mayor takes place at Guildhall on thursday 29 September. This will be followed by a lunch at Farmers and Fletchers Hall for those wishing to attend. It is expected that tickets for the lunch are likely to be priced at 40.00 per head. A calling notice is enclosed inviting you to apply for tickets for Common Hall (it is every Liverymans duty to attend) and for the lunch. The Masters Reception is to be held at Christ Church Spitalfields, London E1 on Wednesday 19 October. This is a good chance to visit this wonderful building reopened after an extensive refurbishment. Ticket price has been set at 35.00 per head to include wine, a finger buffet and a talk by Red Mason who has been involved with the work for 30 years. A calling notice is enclosed.
Charitable Trust
Advised by the Trustees that the sum of 6,000 was available for appropriate causes in the current year, the Court agreed that disbursements should be as follows: The Student Travel Award 2,000; TeamBuild Competition 1,250; Royal Academy Drawing Prize 1,250; Art Prizes for City Schools 105; Lord Mayors Appeal 500; Masters disbursements 500; Almoners Expenses 100; Master of Students Expenses 200; Clerk to the Trustees expenses and contingencies 95. The Chairman of the Charitable Trustees hopes that members of the Company will do all they can to boost the fund in the coming year so that more cash - the return on investments - can be made available for good causes.
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Diary for the Year
St Pauls Cathedral & Plaisterers Hall Below is as full a listing of both Company and City events as can be put together at this stage so that members can get relevant events into their diaries. September 2005 Monday 5 Wednesday 7 Sat /Sun 17/18 Monday 19 Wednesday 28 Thursday 29 October 2005 Wednesday 19 Tuesday 25 November 2005 Tuesday 8 Friday 11 Saturday 12 TBA December 2005 Wedneday 14 January 2006 Monday 3 Monday 16 Monday 30 February 2006 TBA Thursday 23 March 2006 Monday 27 Friday 31 Livery Banquet, Mansion House United Guilds Service and Lunch Milo Lecture at RIBA World Traders Company Taticus Lecture at Guildhall Monday 4 Monday18 Committee Meetings Installation Court & Lunch Committee Meetings Court Meeting and Court Lunch September 2006 Election Court Dinner and Service St Lawrence Jewry and Armourers Hall Carol Service and Supper with Furniture Makers Company Opening of Vison 05: Art by Architects Cadogan Hall Silent Ceremony - Guildhall Lord Mayors Show Architectural Practice Visit Bennetts Associates June 2006 Thursday 8 Fri / Sun16-18 1 17 - 25 TBA Monday 19 Monday 26 July 2006 Lord Mayor and Livery at Royal Cornwall Show Livery Weekend, Ironbridge London Architecture Bienale Architecture Week Events Committee Meetings Common Hall for Election of Sheriffs and Lunch Masters Reception Christ Church Spitalfields Cuban Lecture at RIBA Committee Meetings Court Lunch - Butchers Hall Open House Weekend Installation Court & Lunch Trinity House Musicians Company Evensong St Pauls Cathedral Common Hall and Lunch Farmers & Fletchers Hall April 2006 Monday 3 Friday 14 Monday 17 Sunday 23 Monday 24 May 2006 TBA Monday 8 Tuesday 16 Wednesday 17 Thursday 18 TBA Company Weekend in Lyon Thursday to Saturday Inter Livery Swimathon RAC Clubhouse, Epsom Festival of the Sons of the Clergy St Pauls Cathedral Inter Livery Clay Shoot Inter Livery Golf Competition Architectural Practice Visit Allford Hall Monaghan Committee Meetings Good Friday Easter Monday St Georges Day Court Meeting and Function TBA
The Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects 82A Muswell Hill Road, London N10 3JR Clerk: David Cole-Adams Phone / Fax 020 8292 4893 [email protected]
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