In 1953 Mr. Max Miller, a Lighting Engineer, had the idea that a society should be formed to “foster” good fellowship in the lighting and associated industries allied with the benevolence towards charity. At the inaugural meeting, the names of fifteen Founder Members were recorded and the objects of a new Society known as “The Lightmongers” was broadly defined and a President and other Officers were appointed.
Following the drafting of Object and Ordinances, the “Guild of Lightmongers” was established on the 6th January 1967.
Two of the objects being:
In May 1979 a petition was submitted to the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen for recognition as a Company without Livery and this received approval on the 17th July 1979. The petition required the approval and support, which was readily received from The Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers and The Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers.
Following the submission of a further petition to the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen a Grant of Livery was approved by a meeting of the Court of Aldermen on 17th July 1984.
The Membership of The Worshipful Company of Lightmongers represents all sections of the Lighting and Electrical Industry and these include Lamp & Lighting Fittings Manufacturers, Electrical Contractors, Electrical Wholesalers, Public Lighting Engineers, Consulting Engineers and Lighting Research Engineers.
The Company maintains very close links with all the professional trade and commercial organisations associated with the Lighting and Electrical Industry and the majority of the members are also members of one or more of these.
In the field of charity, donations are made annually to both City and National appeals. On a long term basis the major beneficiaries will be charities associated with the welfare of the blind, the partially sighted, the deaf and organisations closely connected to such sensory impairments.
The Company continue to extend their educational activities and now its some 16 awards cover students at The South Bank University, The Barlett, University College London, City University, UMIST and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Awards are also given via the Society of Light & Lighting, the Lighting Education Trust and other associated industry bodies. A “merit” award is also given each year to a member of our affiliated bodies. For the army to 579 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers; for the Royal Navy to HMS illustrious and for the Royal Air Force to 606 (Chiltern) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
In 1988, an Affiliation was formed with 873 Movement Light Squadron Royal Engineers (V), This Territorial Unit was the only Searchlight unit in the British Army. Arising from various changes for the Territorial Army in 1992 and more recently the Unit was amalgamated with 101 (City of London) Engineers Regiment (EOD) (V) with the title 220 (EOD) Squadron, and is now 579 Field Squadron (EOD) (V).
In 1997 an Affiliation was formed with the Navy and HMS Invincible, one of the three remaining aircraft carriers in the Royal Navy. With Invincible being laid up in 2005, the affiliation was transferred to HMS Illustrious, this aircraft carrier being the new "flagship of the fleet”.
In 2000 an initial affiliation was formed with St. Botolphs’ Aldgate, one of the original four city churches, all called St. Botolphs', which were situated at the gates of the City of London. Our first carol service was held there in December 2000, and in May 2002, the formal Service of Affiliation took place. This is commemorated with a window in the church depicting the Company Armorial Bearings, which was donated by the then Master Lightmonger Mr. David Collins. St. Botolphs’ Aldgate, now being the city church linked to The Company.
In December 2001 initial contact was made with Air Vice-Marshal, B.H. Newton.CB. CVO. OBE. Honorary Inspector-General, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, and Honorary Commodore of 606 (Chiltern) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. In March 2002 this Affiliation was formalised and 606 (Chiltern) Squadron completed the Company links with all three services.