Dane Stevens: Lord Mayor’s Show

Published on 14.11.16

Dane Stevens : Lord Mayor’s Show Over the centuries Lord Mayor’s Show has become a City institution. The military, Livery and civic elements represent the spine of the procession; while charities, youth associations, overseas organisations and businesses bring the energy and dynamism that capture the essence of a truly global city. Both these elements make

Dane Stevens : Lord Mayor’s Show

Over the centuries Lord Mayor’s Show has become a City institution. The military, Livery and civic elements represent the spine of the procession; while charities, youth associations, overseas organisations and businesses bring the energy and dynamism that capture the essence of a truly global city. Both these elements make the Show one of a kind: bringing together more than 7,000 people, 200 horses and more than 150 floats to make the three mile procession from Mansion House, past St Paul’s Cathedral to the Royal Courts of Justice and back to Mansion House via Victoria Embankment.

Livery Companies have long played a key role in supporting the Lord Mayor. They pledge a vow of obedience to maintain the franchises and customs of the City of London Corporation, participate in its many unique traditions and take an active interest in the affairs of the Corporation.

This year the Lord Mayor’s Show took place last Saturday on 12th November and the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths were one of the livery companies taking part , they made a large forged swan designed by Stephen and Susan Miller . The swan was flanked  by Liverymen in gowns with flags, working Blacksmiths, student Blacksmiths  and apprentice Blacksmiths in their aprons bearing working tools and banners, and we were delighted that Dane Stevens one of our third year students on our BA(Hons) Artist Blacksmithing Programme represented student blacksmiths .

Dane says :

“As a recipient of The Worshipable Company of Blacksmiths Bursary I was invited to join them in their part of the parade at the Lord Majors Show in London. It was a really enjoyable day and I was honoured to be a part of the parade in which there were countless trades representing themselves in a variety of ways; including a Chinese dragon that was weaving its way along  in front of us and even people dressed a Makita power tools and rolls of insulation from The Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants. In our section of the parade there was a magnificent 6-7 foot tall swan, that had been made by blacksmiths across the country in their own differing styles, which was to be sold and he money to be given to charity. There was a great reaction from the spectators, and heard many comments along the lines of “oh the blacksmiths” and “oh look at the hammers”. I was so privileged to be able to meet and talk to some of the best and most experienced Blacksmiths in the country, and at dinner after the parade there was opportunity to have some really valuable conversations about different aspects of our trade and some non-work related subjects! “