WHO WE ARE
The Worshipful Company of Tobacco Pipe Makers & Tobacco Blenders is one of the City of London’s renowned Livery Companies. We promote fellowship and philanthropy, and play an integral role in the governance of the City of London.
Our Company was founded in 1619 as a trade guild 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-established for the third time in 1954. Read more about our history here. We play no part in the oversight of the tobacco sector, nor do we have any regulatory role or interest.
FELLOWSHIP AND FRIENDSHIP
We are a relaxed, friendly and forward-thinking Livery Company. In contrast to many Companies, our membership is not trade-restricted. Of course our heritage is to welcome those who have an interest in the tobacco sector, including pipes and cigars, and its many associated sectors, but we also welcome those with an interest in the wider Livery movement and who enjoy our relaxed and social approach.
Our members take part in a range of charitable and social activities where friendships and connections are forged and reinforced. These include banquets and lunches in beautiful City Livery Halls, theatre nights, informal get-togethers in fascinating London venues, golf days, clay pigeon shoots, cigar-tasting events and our wonderful Christmas Carol Service. Our members are welcome to bring guests to enjoy our events. See our diary here. Many of our events have a charitable focus.
CIVIC PARTICIPATION
We encourage our members to get involved and play an active role in the life of our Company, wherever possible. There are opportunities to take on roles in our Committees and Court, possibly leading to becoming a Warden and eventually Master. Read more about our Court and Company Officers here.
There is also the possibility of taking an active role in the daily life of the City of London, given its close and effective working partnership with all Livery Companies. This long-standing relationship is founded on our shared objectives, support for excellence and benevolence, and the promotion of the Square Mile. Liverymen play a pivotal role through the elections of the City of London's Lord Mayor and Sheriffs.
CHANGING LIVES THROUGH OUR CHARITABLE WORK
The City of London’s Livery Companies collectively donate over £81 million a year to charities, according to the annual Livery Impact Report. We are proud to play our part. Supporting people in need is a centuries-old tradition of the Livery movement, inspired by concern for others.
Our members make both annual and occasional donations to The Tobacco Pipe Makers' and Tobacco Trade Benevolent Fund (Charity no. 1135646), which is our vehicle for charitable giving. The Benevolent Fund supports a broad range of UK registered charities, with a focus on the advancement of education, the arts, culture and heritage, and the relief of those who are disadvantaged. Many of these charities are rooted in our members’ own communities, allowing us to witness the direct difference our contributions make to people’s lives. Read more about the charities we support here.
CELEBRATING CRAFT AND TRADE
Our Company celebrates the centuries-old craft of tobacco pipe making. We support the Broseley Pipe Works museum which provides a time capsule of working life in this traditional local industry. We support artisan clay pipe making, a heritage craft, and due to our interest in briar pipe making we are a member of the Wood Group of Livery Companies.
A proportion of our members have links with many aspects of the tobacco trade past and present, including leaf growers, merchants and blenders; tobacco and paper manufacturers; snuff blenders; cigar makers and importers; retailers; manufacturers of smokeless products; financial analysts, investment houses and other related sectors.
Find out more about joining our Company.