OUR COMPANY, GOVERNANCE AND CHARITY

The Company of Merchant Taylors is one of seven guilds in York whose origin dates back to the 13th Century, and one of only three that have existed without a break since medieval times. Ordinances and a members' register are in the City archives of 1387.

Now a charity, the Company has a membership of over 100 men and women who are usually residents of the York area. There are sadly few Members these days with a tailoring connection, therefore method of entry is by patrimony or nomination by a member. The Company's most senior member joined in 1972. The Members appoint a Court of Assistants who act as charitable Trustees of the Company, and all Members are actively involved in maintaining the Company's ancient Hall, its traditions and ceremonies, as well as providing financial support to young people in the fields of art, craft and artisan skills & music.

The Merchant Taylors' Hall, built six centuries ago within the wall of the City of York, is one of the most remarkable memorials to the city's medieval past. The Hall, as well as still being home to the Company, provides a magnificent venue for banquets, weddings, concerts, meetings, private dinners, exhibitions and conferences.

The Hall is open to the public for the York Residents' Festival each January, York Unlocked each October, and then regularly throughout the year. Please look at Eventbrite and Visit York websites for the latest information on opening dates and events.

Governance

The Full Court of all Members is the governing body of the Company of Merchant Taylors. The Full Court meets at least three times a year and considers proposals put to it by the Court of Assistants and any other business put forward by the membership.

Master of the Company

The Master is the nominal head of the Company. He or she is appointed by invitation of the Court of Assistants, and serves in office for one year, commencing and terminating on Charter Day.

The Master's duties include chairing the Full Court and Court of Assistants, presiding at all Company functions and representing the Company at the various functions of other Guilds throughout the country.

The Master for 2023/24 is Barry Crux, who was installed at Charter Day on Wednesday 21st June 2023.

Court of Assistants

The executive committee and trustees of the Company - 19 members who are appointed by the Full Court and charged with the routine management of the Company and the long term planning and strategy of the Charity.

The Court of Assistants comprises: the Master and Immediate Past Master, the four Wardens (the Senior (Master Elect) and Junior Wardens and two Past Masters), the four Searchers (Members who have not yet served in office), the Chancellor, the Honorary Architect, the Honorary Solicitor, the Clerk, and Chairs of the main committees.

Committees

The Court of Assistants is supported by a number of Committees which deal with areas of Company business. These include Charitable Donations & Community Engagement, Catering, Finance, Fabric, Membership and Business Development. Members are invited to join committees as a way of using a particular interest or skill to support the running of the Company.

Barry Crux, Master of the Merchant Taylors in the City of York 2023/24

Charter Day

Charter Day is the most important event in the Company calendar and is the commencement of the Company year.

Charter Day is held on the nearest Wednesday to the 24th June, the feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist, the Company's Patron Saint. The proceedings begin with a meeting of the Court at which the new Master, and other Company Officers are sworn in. This is followed by the procession through the City to the Parish Church of All Saints Pavement where the Company is joined by the Civic Party for the annual Church Service.

The Company and its guests then return in a procession to the Hall for tea.

The Members were delighted to welcome Elwyn Hughes into the Company as an Honorary Member at Charter Day on 23 Jun 2023. ELwyn is regarded as the oldest practicing Taylor in England and spoke about his experiences as a guest speaker at a Company Lunch earlier in the year. From left to right: Barry Crux (Master), Andrew Black (Immediate Past Master), Elwyn Hughes and Mark Sullivan (Beadle).

Charitable Activities

As a registered Charity, the Company aims are twofold: firstly to preserve the historic institution of The Company of Merchant Taylors in the City of York, and in so doing to maintain its ancient hall, its traditions and its ceremonies. Secondly, and wherever possible, the Company distributes modest funds, often in partnership with others, to provide financial support to projects involving York based young people, with limited financial means, who wish to advance and develop their skills in the fields of art, craft and artisan skills & music.

York Music Hub

We support York Music Hub to provide music tuition to five young people. This is part of a city wide initiative to deliver music education to school pupils. From 2021 we have also agreed to fund further training for one or more students post GCSE with developing higher level musical talent.

York College

We work with the fashion and design department at York College and provide awards to talented students. Awardees are encouraged to display their portfolio at our Charter Day in June and at other events.

We also celebrate the achievements of York College graduates via the gifting of awards for outstanding effort and achievement. In 2023, seven students received awards including a trainee Painter and Decorator, musicians, graphic artist and others.

York Consortium for Conservation and Craftmanship (YCCC)

We have, traditionally, worked with YCCC to award financial support to two or more individuals annually who are pursuing training and development in the craft and artisanal skills; this support may be purchase of tools; training courses etc. We are working to develop this support for a broader range of young people and a wider selection of crafts.

Saturday Arts Club at York College

The Merchant Taylors support young people to engage in the Saturday Arts Club initiative which is run in partnership with York College and aims to attract between 15 and 20 students from schools across the city. Activities are held at the York College on Tadcaster Road and include master classes and, the opportunity to exhibit in London at the National Saturday Arts Club event held annually.

New Initiatives

We are currently exploring ideas with: Askham Bryan College to support and celebrate the work of young people in floristry and horticulture; Ebor Schools Trust and, the University of York to develop materials to allow primary school children to engage with and understand the heritage and history of our Hall and the Company in the context of York’s and England’s history.

Creative Grants

Company Grants are available to young people from the City of York and surrounding area to assist in their pursuit of the arts, music or traditional crafts. Typically grants will be up to £1000.

To apply please read the brief and send a completed application form and consent form to The Clerk at clerk@merchant-taylors-york.org