Last Updated on 05/05/2026
The Lady Mayor of London, is delighted to announce the twelve outstanding individuals selected as Lady Mayor’s Craft Livery Apprentices for 2025/26.
This prestigious award is a new initiative launched during the Lady Mayor’s year of Office, created to shine a light on the vital role played by the City of London’s Livery Companies in supporting apprentices and safeguarding heritage craft skills. Livery Companies were invited to nominate their most exceptional Apprentices — those demonstrating excellence, commitment and promise in their chosen craft for this highly competitive recognition.
The standard of nominations was exceptionally high, making the selection process extremely challenging. Following careful assessment, the Panel was unanimous in endorsing the twelve final Apprentices, all of whom exemplify outstanding skill, dedication and enthusiasm at this stage in their professional journey.
From the Lady Mayor of London
“I am so delighted that in my year of Office I have been able to highlight the excellent work being done by many of the Livery Companies of London in supporting those wishing to learn heritage craft skills. These Companies are often the unsung heroes in keeping traditional crafts alive.
Recognising these twelve worthy recipients of the Lady Mayor’s Craft Livery Apprentices Award not only underscores the investment our Worshipful Companies make in craft skills, but also celebrates excellence in learning, effort, dedication and achievement. I very much look forward to meeting the Apprentices and presenting them with a specially produced certificate and medal at the Presentation Ceremony in September.”
— Dame Sue Langley DBE, Lady Mayor of London
Assessment and Judging
The Initiative was co‑led by Patricia Lovett MBE FCGI, Lead Assessor and internationally renowned scribe and illuminator, supported by a distinguished Assessment Panel drawn from across the craft, heritage and education sectors.
Reflecting on the process, Patricia Lovett commented:
“It has been an absolute pleasure to help recognise such exceptional Apprentices. The nominations highlighted not only technical skill, but extraordinary commitment to heritage crafts—skills which are now recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage under the UNESCO Convention. These crafts may be unseen, but without them, much of our tangible heritage simply would not exist.”
Assessment Panel
- Dame Sue Langley DBE – Lady Mayor of London (Final Judge)
- Daniel Carpenter – Executive Director, Heritage Crafts
- Patricia Lovett MBE FCGI – Lead Assessor, Scribe and Illuminator
- Helen Welch – Furniture Maker, Educator and TV Judge
- Dr Simon Sadinsky – Executive Director, Education, The King’s Foundation
Looking Ahead
The twelve Lady Mayor’s Craft Livery Apprentices will be formally recognised at a presentation ceremony in September, where each will receive a specially commissioned medal and certificate. Their success stands as a testament not only to their own dedication, but also to the enduring commitment of the City’s Livery Companies to sustaining excellence in traditional craft skills. To view the winners, please visit the Gunmakers website here.
