Winter2012


Nicholas Emmerson, Liveryman, Eversheds LLP


Livery Dinner at Drapers’ Hall


Leaping out of the cab at the wrong end of Throgmorton Avenue, it was cold, dark and windy. A short trek ensued with my fiancée explaining that this was not dress and high heels territory. We arrived at the entrance to the Drapers’ Hall and it looked closed. I was quickly relieved to discover it was the service entrance as a potential telling off would have no doubt escalated into a postponed wedding! I scuttled around to the main entrance.


The main entrance was somewhat deceptive with only a few subtle hints as to the magnificence that awaited. On the staircase we were warmly greeted by the Master, Martin Roberts, in full regalia. The guard of honour was provided by the London Irish Rifles 71st Army Cadet Unit. As we climbed to the top of the stairs, the beauty of the Draper’s Hall engulfed us and we ventured into two exquisite rooms that were full of chattering solicitors and guests.


I will not venture to further describe what a magnificent venue the Drapers’ Hall is, except for two short observations. The first is that the Livery Hall was spectacularly adorned with enormous paintings of monarchs. I spotted an Edward, a Victoria, four Georges and, I think, a William and Mary as they looked significantly more dour than the progressively flamboyant Georges. The second is that for a Company founded to promote drapery, there were plenty of statues, frescos and other paintings of a


type commonly seen in the Louvre that had subjects wearing very little, a point bravely picked up by the Junior Warden, Vincent Keaveny, in his warm welcoming speech.


The Junior Warden proposed the Toast to some 40 guests present and on their behalf Professor Richard Susskind gave a thought provoking response with some very prescient comments on the future of the profession and on the use of a Black & Decker drill. He concluded by Toasting the Company to which the Master gave an eloquent response before inviting everyone to join him for a Stirrup Cup to round off the evening.


My most impressive guest of the evening was Lady Victoria Leatham. Whilst her position as our host and the first lady Master of the Drapers’ Company drew deserved spontaneous applause, I was most impressed that she was a regular expert on the BBC Antiques Roadshow for over 20 years!


It would be remiss of me not to mention the Loving Cup that circulated towards the end of the delicious meal. The Loving Cup is rather like a huge holy communion cup with a big lid and two bowing pals to help you drink it. One helps you with the lid and the other literally watches your back. Several theories as to why you need someone to stand against your back while taking your sip were circulated at our end of the table but it was essentially great fun and tradition rolled into one. Rather like the entire evening. An excellent event.


City Solicitor • Issue 80 • 13


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