The Master and Wardens cordially invite all Glaziers and their guests to the 2026 Installation Court Dinner, at which the Master-Elect, Helen Whittaker MBE and the Wardens-Elect, Hamish McArthur Esq and Commodore Adrian Aplin MBE RN (Rtd), will be formally installed in the presence of the Livery.
This will involve full regalia and traditional, time-honoured ceremony including the ever popular passing of the loving cup.
The main speaker is William Edward Gompertz – English journalist, author and art critic.
The meal will be accompanied by carefully chosen Wines and Port from the Company’s cellar.
Following the receiving line held between 6.15 – 7.00 pm, there will be welcome drinks in the River Room with its stunning views of the City of London.
A stirrup cup will be offered to those who can stay later.
The speaker, William Edward Gompertz is an arts broadcaster, author and cultural leader with a gift for making art accessible and engaging.
As the BBC’s Arts Editor from 2009 to 2021, he brought the world of arts and culture to a wide audience. He previously spent seven years as Director of Tate Media before becoming Artistic Director of the Barbican in 2021. In January 2024, he was appointed Director of Sir John Soane’s Museum in London.
Will has written extensively for The Guardian and The Times and is the author of What Are You Looking At? 150 Years of Modern Art in the Blink of an Eye and Think Like an Artist. His enthusiasm, insight and humour offer a fresh perspective on art and the creative minds behind it.
To celebrate St Andrew’s Day, which falls just afterwards, Haggis (with a vegetarian option) will be served. Fittingly, there will be a Piper to accompany the Haggis which will be suitably addressed in the words of Robert Burns.
We anticipate high demand for this year’s Installation Dinner. To ensure your place, please reply as soon as possible. The ticket price for this event is £150 per person for bookings received by 30 October, and £160 thereafter. The dress code is White Tie (Black Tie acceptable), National Dress or uniform. You are very welcome to bring guests.
When making your online booking, we encourage you to pay direct, but you can opt to pay by GoCardless or by cheque if you prefer. All payments need to be made by 19 November and there can be no bookings, or refunds for cancellations, after this date.
