Artistic community and Guilds

Artistic community and Guilds

The Guild structure was for centuries the heart and driving force behind outstanding artistic communities and the pursuit of artistic excellence. A Guild gives an apprentice an invaluable opportunity to learn from a master of their craft; it allows for constant and ongoing learning from one’s peers; through the sharing of professional knowledge and experience, and the mingling of different artistic impulses and ways of thinking, new ideas and new techniques can seed, flower and fruit alongside traditional methods. It is also a way of recognising and valuing artistic progress and artistic excellence, and emphasises the inestimable import of dedication and care to one’s craft that might otherwise be lacking.

The Finishers Company takes inspiration from the Guilds in the way we operate, building long-term close professional relationships with our collaborators, making sure that everyone employed by the company is supported and protected by the company, and encouraging the development of new skills.

We also work with a close-knit network of excellent subcontractors, who share our commitment to the highest possible standards and working practices, and who are as focussed on quality and delivery as we are.