There are 2 categories of standard membership of the Company: Freeman and Liveryman.

Freeman is the first level of full membership of the Lightmongers Company and is limited to those involved in the art or science of lighting or to members of the lighting industry primarily through engineering / manufacture, design, architecture, electrical installation or distribution. Freemen are proposed and seconded by existing members of the Company and approved by the Court of Assistants.

As a modern Livery Company, membership is open to active members of the Lighting industry or others associated with it. To become a member, you will need to demonstrate a track record of achievement related to lighting. You will also need to show some understanding of the Livery ethos (for more information click here), and in particular, a commitment to giving something back to the sector and the wider community. 

Procedures for applying for membership
A traditional route is by the recommendation or invitation of somebody who is already a member. If you do not know a member but wish to apply for membership independently, you should:

1. Contact the Clerk to ask for an application form and details
2. Complete the form; seek the support of two Liverymen as sponsors, who must have known you for at least two years. The Clerk can assist in finding sponsors. One sponsor is preferred to be a member of the Court of Assistants.
3. A cheque to cover the Freedom application fee and subscription must accompany the form. This will be refunded if the Court does not approve the application.

The application will then be considered by the Court when the Assistant who has sponsored the application will personally recommend its approval. If an applicant has difficulty in obtaining sponsors then arrangements can be made for an appropriate Interview. If the application is approved by the Court the applicant will then be invited to a ceremony in the Court to take the Oath, sign the Freedom Roll and be granted a Certificate of Freedom by Redemption.

Freemen and Liverymen
Initially, members join the Company as freemen. Subsequently there is the opportunity for members to progress to the status of Liverymen, which is a precursor to being considered for more senior positions within the Company and also bestows voting rights and privileges within the Corporation of London constitution.


Liveryman is open to all Freemen of the Company and indeed it is recommended that all Freemen progress to become Liverymen. If the Freeman is not already a Freeman of the City of London, receipt of the Freedom of this Livery Company opens the way. It is necessary to apply to the Chamberlain’s Court at the Guildhall and attend there by appointment. The full procedure will be explained by the Clerk at the time a Freeman is admitted to the Company. In brief, the applicant has to take the Freedom Certificate together with a FULL birth certificate and apply for his/her name to be added to the monthly list of applicants that is considered by the Court of Aldermen. A small fee will need to be paid. In due time a successful applicant will be advised by the Clerk to the Chamberlain’s Court to return to the Guildhall to make the Declaration of Freedom and to sign the Roll of Freemen. A Certificate of Freedom of the City of London is then issued.

Armed with this Certificate, the Freeman advises the Clerk of his/her desire to become a Liveryman. An invitation will be issued to another meeting of the Court for the ceremony of “Clothing with the Livery”.

Your contribution
Our members expect to give their time, expertise, resources and networks to support our charitable, educational and professional activities. Whilst the demands of career and family will mean that at any given time the level of face-to-face involvement with Company activities may vary, our members can still make an important contribution to the work of the Company by contributing their contacts, expertise and other resources to support specific activities. Fees, known as “fines”, paid on admission to the Freedom and the Livery, go to the Company Charity fund. Operational expenses are met from the annual subscriptions.

Benefits
Many men and women in the lighting and associated industries are motivated to contribute to charitable or educational causes or wish to do something to support the lighting profession. By joining our Company you can ensure that your contribution will have the maximum impact through the leverage of the time, talents and resources available across our membership.

As a member of our Company you will also become part of a dynamic and friendly community. Membership is for life and offers the chance to meet like-minded people from all elements of the lighting industry, often leading to lifelong friendships.