THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF LIGHTMONGERS
Encouraging invention and imagination in the use of light
Welcome to the Worshipful Company of Lightmongers, one of the modern Livery companies and number 96 in order of precedence within the City of London. As a modern company, the members come from all sections of the lighting and electrical industry including manufacturers, engineers, designers, architects, contractors and distributors.
Craft associations have flourished all over Europe for many centuries, but the City of London companies, originally known as Guilds and now collectively known as the Livery, are unique in their survival, number and diversity. The conditions which gave birth to the original guilds have long since been overtaken by the developments of industry and commerce, but the livery companies still flourish today. They have survived by fostering their trade in a wide context, serving the community through education and charity, and embracing modern skills and professions.
Modern livery companies actively promote apprenticeship schemes as the best way to provide thorough training, especially in the specialised technical shills which are in demand today. The Lightmongers run a Journeyman scheme which encourages young people to earn their place as a member of the Company.
In the three years that it takes to complete the scheme, a Journeyman will go through a lot of challenges at work, often finding their feet in a new career after education. A Journeyman is able to discuss these challenges and specific projects with the leading experts in the field helping to deal with the challenges of career progression. It also enables him or her to take part in the varied activities of the company.
Since its foundation, the Lightmongers Company has provided support to numerous charities, with its principal efforts being directed towards those with sensory impairments, in particular sight and/or hearing. It also maintains links with the armed forces through its affiliations.
Lighting is something you don’t notice until it’s not there. It controls the way we live at work and at home. Good lighting can enhance the mood and desirability of a space and contributes greatly to our sense of well being. Talent, experience and technique are all used to create a visual environment to satisfy the needs of the building occupier. We can teach you the technical skills, the talent comes from you.
Former Journeyman James Simpson’s thoughts on the Lightmongers – “Traditionally, Livery Companies support apprentices seeking a career in a chosen profession and wishing to learn from the masters of their craft. Today, the Lightmongers is one of the most active Liveries and is the most pragmatic of all at developing young people in their careers. Since I joined the Lightmongers, I have been overwhelmed with opportunities that have been beneficial to me in my career. The lighting industry is large and varied and the only way to network within it is by joining an organisation such as the Lightmongers. I hadn’t appreciated how many Lightmongers are in our industry until you start bumping into them on projects you are working on which always makes the job much more pleasant. Every member is happy to support you in your rising career, helping you develop through experienced advice or convenient networking, and being a charitable organisation means you get to contribute to an important part of the education of young lighters in a modern way but in the spirit of what was started hundreds of years ago”
