Debbie Johnson installed as 63rd Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company

On 12 May, Debbie Johnson was installed as the 63rd Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry. She succeeds Brian Ahern.

The annual Installation Ceremony took place in the Long Parlour at Mansion House, London, the official residence of the Lord Mayor. During the ceremony, Jessica Alexander and Alistair Gough were installed as the new Senior and Junior Wardens of the Company, respectively.

Debbie Johnson – 63rd Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company

Debbie joined The Furniture Makers’ Company in 2011, became a liveryman in 2013, and has served on the Court – the Company’s board – since 2016.

Her early career included nursing and working in retail, followed by a role at the Post Office in marketing and business administration. She later thrived in print publishing, particularly with the Cambridge Newspapers Group, before running an independent contract publishing company. Her career included publishing the weekly furniture trade magazine Cabinet Maker until 2018.

Since retiring, Debbie has remained active in civic and charitable work, including with the City Livery Club and as a trustee for the Andrew Johnson Rowing Foundation. In her spare time, she earned an Association of Master Upholsterers & Soft Furnishers diploma with distinctions in Soft Furnishings, and a Stage One diploma with distinction in Upholstery. She continues to enjoy restoring old chairs and working with textiles.

The ceremony was followed by a celebratory dinner in the venue’s stunning Egyptian Room. Around 200 guests were in attendance to mark the occasion and celebrate the new Master’s installation, joined by City dignitaries including the Lord Mayor, the Rt Hon Alderman Alastair King DL; the Lady Mayoress; Alderman and Sheriff Gregory Jones KC; and Sheriff David Chalk.

Commenting on her installation, the new Master said: “It's a great honour to be installed as the 63rd Master. My passion for both this livery and our industry fuels my commitment to serve you well. I am grateful for your trust and look forward to representing The Furniture Makers’ Company and strengthening our community together.”

For further information on The Furniture Makers’ Company, see www.furnituremakers.org.uk.