WHO WE ARE
The Worshipful Company of Tobacco Pipe Makers & Tobacco Blenders is one of the City of London’s renowned Livery Companies. We promote fellowship and philanthropy, and play an integral role in the governance of the City of London.
Our company was founded in 1619 as a trade association tasked with regulating the manufacture of clay tobacco pipes. Over the centuries, we have been twice dissolved and re-established, and so – despite our 17th century origins – we are now listed as a Modern Livery Company, having been re-formed for the third time in 1954. Read more about our history here.
FELLOWSHIP AND FRIENDSHIP
We are a relaxed, friendly and forward-thinking Livery Company. In contrast to many modern Companies, our membership is not restricted to our own trade. We welcome those who have a particular interest in the tobacco industry or the Livery movement as a whole.
Our members enjoy a range of charitable and social activities where friendships and connections are forged. These include: banquets and lunches in beautiful City Livery Halls, theatre nights, informal get-togethers in London venues, golf days, clay pigeon shoots, cigar-tasting events and our wonderful Christmas Carol Service. Our members are welcome to bring guests to enjoy our events. See our diary here.
A CHOICE OF CIVIC PARTICIPATION
All our members, if they wish to get involved, can take on roles in our Committees and Court, playing an active role in our Company. Read more about our Court and Company Officers here.
There is also the potential to take an active role in the daily life of the City of London, given the close and extremely effective working partnership it has with all Livery Companies. This long-standing relationship is founded upon our shared objectives, support of excellence and promotion of the Square Mile. Liverymen still play a pivotal role in the election of the City of London Lord Mayor.
CHANGING LIVES THROUGH OUR CHARITABLE WORK
The City of London’s Livery Companies collectively donate over £70 million a year to charities. We are proud to be part of this. Supporting people in need is a centuries-old tradition of the Livery movement, inspired by concern for others.
Our members donate to The Tobacco Pipe Makers and Tobacco Trade Benevolent Fund (Charity no. 1135646), which is the vehicle for our members’ charitable giving. The Benevolent Fund supports a broad range of UK registered charities, with a particular focus on the advancement of education, the arts, culture and heritage, and relief of those who are disadvantaged. Many of these organisations are rooted in our members’ communities, allowing us to witness the direct difference our contribution makes to people’s lives.
Read more about the charities we support here.
CELEBRATING CRAFT AND TRADE
Our Company celebrates the centuries-old craft of tobacco pipe making, particularly through our support for the Broseley Pipe Works museum, which provides a time capsule of working life in this traditional local industry.
We also retain and develop links with all aspects of the UK tobacco trade, including leaf growers, merchants and blenders; tobacco and paper manufacturers; snuff blenders; cigar importers; retail tobacconists and manufacturers of smokeless nicotine products.
Find out more about joining our Company.