The Worshipful Company of Feltmakers is one of the ancient livery companies of the City of London.
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The Feltmakers, or makers of felt hats, were incorporated by letters patent granted by James I in 1604, [1] receiving an extended royal charter in 1667. The Company gradually lost its role as a trade association for felt hat makers, due to both advancements in technology and the increased popularity of silk hats. Like many City livery companies, the Feltmakers' Company is now primarily a charitable institution, but has numerous milliners amongst its members.
Ranking sixty-third in the order of precedence for City livery companies, the Feltmakers' Company motto is Decus Et Tutamen, a Latin phrase taken from Virgil meaning An Ornament and a Safeguard. (The phrase also appears around the milled edge of certain pound coins.)
The Company's Master is Jeremy Bedford, who was installed as the 421st Master Feltmaker on 4 October 2024. Masters normally serve for one year. The Company's Upper Warden is Simon Millar and its Clerk is Major-General Aidan Smyth.
