Venue
About Stationers’ Hall
Stationers’ Hall is the historic heart of the UK newspaper and printing trade and home to the Stationers’ and Newspaper Makers’ Company.
The Stationers is one of the City Livery Companies; so named because of the distinctive clothing (or livery) entitled to be worn by the original craftsmen practising their trade as members of a guild. The Company dates from 1403, when the text writers and those who made and sold books and writing materials from fixed stalls (or ‘stations’) joined with the lymners, who decorated books, to form a guild.
Later printers began to join and in 1557 the craft association was given a Royal Charter and became a livery company. The Stationers stands out among the older livery companies in that 85% of its members are involved with the modern industries descended from the original trades of the guild. Full membership by individuals is limited to 476 ‘Liverymen’, and an unlimited number of ‘Freemen’.
Today’s Stationers’ Hall is a Grade I listed building, situated close to St Paul’s Cathedral. Completed in 1673 after the Great Fire of London, the Hall’s suite of three imposing, inter-linking rooms makes it one of the most sought after venues in the City for corporate events and private functions.
The ‘Stock Room’, originally housing the Company’s stock of almanacs, was remodelled in the late 18th century and retains panelling contemporary with the largest room, the magnificent Livery Hall. Leading from this is the Court Room, a lighter room with gilded plaster work. This room overlooks the Company’s sizeable courtyard garden which is a totally secluded oasis in the City centre.
At weekends the Hall is much sought after for weddings (the Hall is licensed for civil marriages), and wedding receptions.
The Company is the single force unifying the modern industries that range from print, papermaking and packaging, through office supplies to all aspects of publishing (including electronic publishing) and broadcasting; along with those who supply these industries. The Company provides an independent forum in which members can advance the interests of their industries – be they strategic, educational or charitable.
The Company historic records from 1554 to the present day are remarkably complete and form the single most important archival source for the history of the English book trade.
The Hall, Court Room and Stock Room are available for letting for conferences, exhibitions, dinners, luncheons, receptions, dances and civil weddings.
For details, telephone the Commercial Manager at Stationers’ Hall on 020 7246 0999 or email: marketing@stationers.org
