Eight new freemen were admitted to The Furniture Makers’ Company at its Common Hall event (AGM) on Thursday, 10th April.
The new freemen are: Nigel Gearing, chairman of Gearing Media Group (publisher of Furniture News); Annik Heal, a new partner freeman, who has a longstanding connection with the company as the wife of the late liveryman Oliver Heal;
Şahika Karagöz, MD of Erdem Fabrics; Alexander Muradian, principal of Oyster Studio Furniture; Julian Penrose-Smith, of Penrose Restoration; Taam Sasikan, an accomplished furniture designer; Lynda Piggott, MD of DPG Foam Convertors; and Agnes Xavier-Phillips, who joins as a partner freeman, supporting her husband, liveryman Nigel Phillips. Agnes is the current master of The Worshipful Livery Company of Wales, as well as a member of several other livery companies.
The freemen declared their support to the company, before signing a declaration and being personally welcomed by Brian Ahern, master of The Furniture Makers’ Company.
Following the admission ceremony, Brian reported on the achievements the company had made in the past livery year and spoke on the many events he was privileged to attend. After the master’s presentation, treasurer Alistair Gough gave members an update on the finances from 2024-25, followed by master-elect Debbie Johnson, who outlined her plans for the 2025-26 livery year.
Photo courtesy The Furniture Makers’ Company
