We are proud to announce that three of our Advanced Installers—Michael Wilson, George Bogojevic, and Frank Holmes—have been initiated into the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers, one of the most historic Livery Companies in the City of London.

The origins of the Guild date back to the Middle Ages, when tradespeople began forming associations to regulate their professions, protect their trades, and uphold standards. By 1283, artists who painted solid objects—wood, metal, stone—had united to form the “Paynters” Guild.

These early Painters created everything from banners and murals to saddles and church interiors. Their craft soon aligned with the Royal Court, and the Guild gained prominence. The first great figure was Gilbert Prynce, the earliest recorded King’s Painter, who in 1394 painted a panel of Richard II—the earliest surviving life portrait of a British monarch, still visible in Westminster Abbey near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Around 1400, a separate trade of decorative artists known as “Steyners” emerged. They specialised in pageants, flags, and ceremonial art and soon formed their own guild. In 1502, the Painters and Steyners petitioned to join forces, and by 1515, the combined Guild ranked 29th in precedence among the City Guilds. Today, it ranks 28th.

In 1532, Alderman Sir John Browne, Serjeant-Painter to Henry VIII, bequeathed his premises in Little Trinity Lane to his fellow Painter-Stainers. This became Painter-Stainers’ Hall, anchoring the Company’s future prosperity.

George was acknowledged for his documentation of historical embossed wallcoverings at Leeds Grand Theatre, as well as his expert installation of Lincrusta in the theatre’s Bar 1878. His work extended to restoring circle fronts, dress circle boxes, and the upper circle back walls using a bespoke Pugin wallcovering produced by Ansty.

Additionally, George has contributed to ongoing work at the Leeds City Varieties Music Hall, and his installation of the ‘Fruit’ design from the Morris & Co. x Lincrusta collection at Rochdale Town Hall has been widely praised.

Based near our factory in northwest England, Frank celebrates 35 years in business this year. He was honoured for restoring two long-lost c.1890s Lincrusta designs at Royton Town Hall, Oldham, hidden for decades above a suspended ceiling.  In recognition of his expertise, Frank was invited to become a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers in 2024. In May, he gave a talk at a Company craft celebration event, showcasing examples of his work.  The event brought together members with diverse skills, including marbling, trompe-l’oeil, antique lace gilding, natural pigments, stencilled wallpapers, illumination—and Frank’s Lincrusta restorations.

It is truly a privilege for our craftsmen to be part of such a prestigious Guild with a rich heritage. We congratulate Michael, George, and Frank on this remarkable achievement.