The Worshipful Company of Turners Charitable Trust

The Worshipful Company of Turners Charitable Trust is a registered charity in the United Kingdom, with charity number 267372. The Trust operates under the auspices of the Worshipful Company of Turners, one of the City of London’s historic Livery Companies, with a legacy dating back to the medieval period. The Trust focuses on general charitable purposes aligned principally with supporting the craft of turning and promoting charitable activities related to the City of London and the Company itself.

Charitable Objectives and Activities

The Trust’s primary objectives are twofold: to support the craft of turning, a traditional wood-turning craft, and to promote charitable causes associated with the City and the Livery Company. The support for turning includes sponsoring competitions and exhibitions, providing bursaries and funding educational and training initiatives. This support extends to working with both professional and amateur turning associations across the UK. The charitable activities also encompass aid to City-related charities and broader philanthropic efforts aligned with the Company's mission.

One of the key ways the Trust fosters the craft is by helping organize and fund turning competitions, exhibitions like the quadrennial "Wizardry in Wood," and bursaries for emerging turners, some of whom work in creative hubs such as Cockpit Arts in London. It also collaborates in developing new craft qualifications and supports schools, including those catering to children with special needs, by providing equipment and training. The Trust has played a pivotal role in establishing the Register of Professional Turners, contributing to the craft’s professional standards and promotion.

Governance and Financials

The Trust is governed by a board of five trustees and benefits from the efforts of approximately 30 volunteers. Trustees serve without remuneration or benefits. For the financial year ending 31 May 2024, the Trust reported a total income of £80,391 and total expenditures of £93,225. It does not operate through trading subsidiaries and maintains up-to-date charity reporting.

Relationship with the Worshipful Company of Turners

The Trust is closely linked with the Worshipful Company of Turners, which holds a historical royal charter granted in 1604 and ranks 51st in the order of precedence among the City of London’s Livery Companies. The Company has a long tradition of promoting the art and craft of turning, encompassing everything from traditional practical items to avant-garde artistic woodturning. The Company supports the Trust’s charitable aims by fostering membership involvement, providing organizational infrastructure, and maintaining a strong presence in the City’s civic and charitable activities.

Membership within the Company includes professionals and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds, many of whom contribute to the Trust’s objectives by supporting educational, charitable, and craft-related activities.

Summary

The Worshipful Company of Turners Charitable Trust serves as a modern charitable vehicle dedicated to sustaining and promoting the historic craft of turning while supporting charitable causes connected with the City of London. Through educational support, competitions, bursaries, and collaboration with professional bodies, the Trust contributes to both preserving tradition and encouraging innovation within the craft.

Note: This article is based on publicly available information as of 2025.

[1] https://turnersco.com [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/267372 [3] https://turnersco.com/company/ [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worshipful_Company_of_Turners [5] https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/the-worshipful-company-of-turners-charitable-trust