Membership of the Company

To become a member of the Company you either had to be the son of a Skinner (joining by patrimony) or apprenticed – when you became attached to a master to learn his trade – but apprenticeship became more and more symbolic as the links with the fur trade diminished. Apprentices now learn about the ethos and aims of the Skinners’ Company, and its educational and charitable activities.

Today the membership structure of the Company has been largely preserved but the membership is now made up of women as well as men. The Court is the governing body and a new master and four wardens are elected each year.

Full members of the Company belong to the livery, a term that originally referred to the distinctive badges or uniform worn by the members.

Associate members of the Skinners form the freedom, another term that has been used since medieval times when apprentices who had finished their training were free to practise their trade.

Why become a member of a livery company?

On being elected to a livery company most people will enjoy the unique blend of social and professional opportunities that it offers. Companies are fraternal bodies, where all members can meet together on an equal basis to discuss issues of interest, and give support to each other as well as enjoying social events.

Members come from a wide range of backgrounds and callings; members of the royal family are active members of livery companies. This diversity means that companies frequently have in their membership very influential individuals as well as those just starting out in their careers.

Once a member of a company, an individual can aspire to contribute to its work, influencing and supporting its trade, as well as its charitable activities.

 

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