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Hundreds flock to Butchers’ Hall for Open House weekend

Published on: 24 September 2019

Over 750 visitors witnessed the splendour of Butchers’ Hall on Saturday 21st September when the doors were thrown open to the public to celebrate our return as a London Open House.

The annual Open House event, designed and run to give visitors ‘free entry to London’s best buildings’, provided the opportunity for The Worshipful Company of Butchers to showcase the splendour and grandeur of its refurbished Butchers’ Hall.

Open House weekend at Butchers' Hall 2019
Visitors taking in the surroundings of the Great Hall.

Welcoming visitors, young and old, a team of Liverymen delighted in sharing their knowledge of the building, its artefacts and some of the background to our Livery Company.

Inevitably the Vestey Tapestry, the Borthwick Screen, the Katz Light Box and the various paintings were the stars of the show. The Bronze Bust of Her Royal Highness, The Queen Mother, in the Reception area, succeeded in welcoming all-comers.

The audience listened attentively to the history of the Company and appreciated the degree of thought, planning and attention to detail given to the refurbishment of the Hall, open for the Open House Event for the first time since 2014.

The ‘Smithfield’ chairs and table furniture came in for special attention with visitors remarking on the comfort of the chairs and the ability to dine without the discomfort and distraction of table legs as a real bonus.

Warden Margaret Boanas, this year’s Providitor, who led the team, commented on the feedback saying: “Open House was a great opportunity to showcase our Hall with its design and layout, history and special artefacts and to tell people about the good work our Livery Company does in the Charity and Education sectors. 

“The big take away for me was that not only does our involvement promote the Livery and the Hall, but that we are also there to represent the Industry - which we are at the heart of. 

“It was especially pleasing to hear such enthusiasm, positive comments and even booking enquires. Thank you to Carla Ashcroft for organising and all those who made it happen.”

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