Peter Taylor MBE Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Root & Branch Awards
The Goldsmiths' Centre in London is delighted to announce that its founding Director, Peter Taylor MBE, has received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Root & Branch Awards. Presented by City Livery Club at their Civic Banquet at Drapers' Hall on Monday 13 July 2026, the award recognises Peter's outstanding contribution to the UK's jewellery, silversmithing and allied industries.
The award celebrates Peter's exceptional vision, leadership and dedication in creating and developing the Goldsmiths' Centre. As its founding Director, he led the charity for 15 years, before handing over leadership to Julia Balchin in 2026, establishing it as a nationally recognised hub for education, technical skills, business support and innovation. Delivering this vision required significant commitment and represents the Goldsmiths' Company's largest single direct investment to support the future of the trade and craft to date.
Under Peter's leadership, the Goldsmiths' Centre has supported thousands of apprentices, students, emerging makers and established businesses through world-class technical skills training, mentoring, exhibition opportunities, affordable workspace, and business development programmes. His unwavering belief in the importance of investing in people has helped strengthen the resilience, creativity and long-term sustainability of the UK's jewellery and silversmithing industry.
Commenting on the award, Annie Warbuton, Clerk of the Goldsmiths’ Company, said: "This Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting recognition of Peter's extraordinary contribution to our sector. His vision, perseverance and passion laid the foundations for the Goldsmiths' Centre and created an organisation that continues to support generations of craftspeople and businesses. Peter's legacy can be seen not only in the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s award-winning building, but in the thousands of people whose careers and livelihoods have been shaped through the opportunities the Centre provides. The Goldsmiths’ Company and the Goldsmiths’ Foundation are thrilled to see his achievements recognised by the City Livery Club."
The Lifetime Achievement Award forms part of City Livery Club's annual Root & Branch Awards, which celebrates individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the livery movement and charitable endeavour.
Jane Platt CBE, President of City Livery Club and Peter Taylor MBE (c) Photographer © www.andybarker.com