Riina O at Lincoln Heritage Skills Festival

Last weekend, 23-24th of June Riina O travelled North, out of London, to a small picturesque town of Lincoln, to participate in the Heritage Skills Festival. The event, held for the first time ever, brought together the City of London Livery Companies to the Lincoln Cathedral with the aim to celebrate traditional crafts and skills and keep them alive. Altogether there were more than 26 of the City of London Livery Companies, ranging from the goldsmiths to saddlers to clockmakers, glaziers and plumbers. Riina O was invited by the Worshipful Company of Glovers.

The history of the Glovers Company dates back to the 14th Century, having been established in 1349 by glove makers in London, who wished to protect the high standards of their craft. The Company has survived to the present day, still supporting and promoting British glove trade and wearing of gloves on all levels - from fashion to different industrial purposes.

The Heritage Skills Festival took place at the glorious Lincoln Cathedral - the third largest one in the UK. The grandiose building managed to easily host the display of dozens of Livery companies and craft displays, including two Bentley cars and a few chariots.

Riina O had a chance to display our cutting edge modern gloves and demonstrate the craft of the traditional glove making via hand stitching.

On the 23rd of June, we had the honour to be interviewed by the BBC Radio for Melvyn in the Morning show. It was great to meet some visitors later on, who had actually heard the interview and got inspired by it to come to the Festival.

At the end of the second day an auction was held, where all the different livery companies presented their unique craft products. Riina O offered a commission of a pair of leather gloves to the client´s choice, which was snapped up by a lucky bidder.

The Midsummer´s Night was this year celebrated at a glorious dinner held for the London Livery Companies at the Lincoln Cathedral. In addition to all the displays, the cathedral easily accommodated a dinner for nearly 100 people located in its side wing of the building. Held at such extravagant location, this was definitely a Midsummer celebration night to remember!