The world of British tailoring flocked to the Merchant Taylors’ Hall, London, in July for the annual Bespoke Tailors’ Benevolent Association Summer Party.

With everyone looking elegantly cool, tailors, cutters and apprentices made the most of the warm, Summer evening to catch up with friends and colleagues in the Hall’s calming courtyard before heading into the impressive main hall for a relaxed, buffet dinner. Organised by Claire Barrett of Hawthorne & Heaney for the first time, there were several key figures from the Association in the room, including the Association’s President Patrick Bunting and Board member William Skinner of Dege & Skinner. A highlight of the evening is always the awards presentation, with several apprentices receiving their coveted apprenticeship certificates. The BTBA works tirelessly to support the tailoring industry and currently supports more than 60 beneficiaries through its highly regarded grants scheme. So this evening, one of two major events run by the Association to raise funds and highlight the work of British tailoring, is always a key fixture on every tailor’s calendar.