WHO WE ARE
The Worshipful Company of Tobacco Pipe Makers & Tobacco Blenders is one of the City of London’s renowned Livery Companies. We encourage fellowship, philanthropy and education and our civic duties play an integral role in the City of London’s governance.
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 CIVIC DUTY
We are a relaxed, friendly and forward-thinking Livery Company. We hold regular social gatherings for our members to enjoy – from formal dinners in superb City locations to informal social events, theatre evenings, clay shoots, golf days, and our annual carol service. Our members are welcome to bring guests. See our diary here.
Our members can take on roles in the Company’s Committees and Court, playing an active role in our Company and the daily life of the City of London.
PHILANTHROPY AND EDUCATION
Our actions are 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. Read more about the activities of the Benevolent Fund here.
OUR LINKS TO CRAFT AND TRADE
Our Company celebrates the centuries-old craft of tobacco pipe making but is also associated with all aspects of the UK trade, including leaf growers, merchants and blenders; tobacco and paper manufacturers; pipe makers; snuff blenders; cigar importers; retail tobacconists and manufacturers of smokeless nicotine products.
We also welcome members from beyond these trades, who have a general interest in the tobacco industry, or in good fellowship, the Livery movement and the City of London.
Find out more about joining our Company.