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2023-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1148638

Company registration number 07936156 (England and Wales)

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Catherine Samy
Ron Clarke (Treasurer)
Mark Noad (Chair)
Nicholas Heath
Elisabeth Ashbridge
Karoline Newman (Appointed 30 April 2023)
Teucer Wilson (Appointed 10 July 2024)
Charity number 1148638
Company number 07936156
Independent examiner Rachel Skells BA FCA
The Old Exchange
64 West Stockwell Street
Colchester
Essex
CO1 1HE
Bankers CAF Bank Limited
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling
Kent
ME19 4QJ
Solicitors Bates, Wells & Braithwaite
2-6 Cannon Street
London
EC4M 6YH

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

CONTENTS

Page
Chairman's statement 1 - 2
Trustees' report 3 - 13
Independent examiner's report 14
Statement of financial activities 15
Balance sheet 16
Notes to the financial statements 17 - 28

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

CHAIR'S STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023 was an important year for the Lettering Arts Trust (LAT), it was our first full year since reluctantly leaving our gallery and office space in Snape Maltings. It has taken time for us to adapt to being a ‘virtual’ organisation, putting in place systems and ways of working that enable us to function remotely. I’m pleased to say that this is now working well, and we are in a strong position to make the most of the freedom provided by not being tied to a physical location.

One of the first things to benefit has been our exhibitions programme. We have been actively looking for venues and partners nationally to collaborate with and bring the art of letter carving to a wider audience. Our Nereids exhibition continued its journey around the country visiting Moseley Road Baths in Birmingham. And we teamed up with long-standing supporter of the carver’s art, Rachel Bebb for Transfigured at her gallery in Hampshire.

I would like to thank everyone who has put in the time and effort to making these a success especially Karoline Newman for liaising with the venues and ensuring the exhibitions happen, Lucy MacDowell for supporting her and driving our publicity, and of course to all the artists who contributed art works. Our exhibition programme is going from strength to strength with exciting partnerships and activities happening throughout 2024.

The Art & Memory Collection has undergone significant changes in 2023 with some works being moved to a new venue at Corpusty in Norfolk and others adding to the existing collection at Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire. The Collection is one of our most valuable assets bringing the carver’s art to locations across the country. We will continue to develop the Collection and use it to promote the art of letter carving nationally.

We continue to provide training for the next generation of lettering artists through our apprenticeships, the Journeyman scheme, bursaries and the on-line Emerging Carvers Symposium. I am delighted that through generous support, for the first time we have been able to place two apprentices with master carvers in 2023. Rachel Butler and Maia Gaffney Hyde have completed the first of their two-year apprenticeships and will continue their training through 2024. We will also be increasing our commitment to the journeyman scheme aiming to make five awards a year from 2024 onwards.

The change in circumstances for the Trust has meant changes to the role of the Trustees. At the time of this report we do not have an Executive Director so, in addition to their governance role, Trustees are using their professional expertise towards day-to-day leadership whilst the post remained vacant. We are actively seeking the funds to allow us to find a new Executive Director, an essential part of our plans for the future.

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

CHAIR'S STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

We have been working with consultant Heather Dwyer to enhance our fundraising activities. She has been instrumental in helping us hone our applications and clearly articulate our aims and objectives. Her knowledge of who to apply to and when will be invaluable as we continue our fundraising in 2024.

There have been changes to the Board of Trustees this year. After her time as Interim Executive Director, Karoline Newman has rejoined the Board as Trustee. Artist Trustee Eric Marland has had a reduced role due to ill health and will be stepping down. Eric, our thoughts are with you. We will announce his replacement in 2024.

And after more than a decade in the role, Catherine Samy stepped down as Chair of Trustees at the end of 2023. She has steered the Trust through some difficult times including LAT’s strategic transition, a period of high inflation period and of course Covid with its lockdowns and restrictions that did so much to bring to an end our time in Snape.

Catherine handed over the Chair’s role to me in December but has agreed to stay on the Board throughout 2024 to help as I find my feet. Catherine, we are indebted to you for everything you have contributed to the Trust and will miss your guiding presence.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my other fellow Trustees for their knowledge, support and enthusiasm. And thanks also to Lucy MacDowell and Mary Carter-Campbell for running the organisation day to day.

As I write this, half-way through my first year in the Chair’s role, I do so with an enhanced understanding of the role and importance of the Lettering Arts Trust. We have a responsibility to continue to promote the craft of letter carving both for the artists who make their living from it and those who benefit from the wonderful commissions they fulfil.

I am optimistic for the future of the Trust and the craft it represents. I will do everything I can to ensure the Lettering Arts Trust continues to be the voice of letter carving in the UK.

..............................

Mark Noad Chair 8 August 2024

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".

Objectives and activities

The Charity's objects are to promote for the public benefit education in and appreciation of the arts and crafts associated with letter design and letter carving for memorials and other lettered works - commemorative, celebratory and architectural.

The Lettering and Commemorative Arts Trust (LCAT) trades as The Lettering Arts Trust (LAT)

The Lettering Arts Trust’s aim is to be the voice of letter carving in the United Kingdom, with a mission to protect and promote the skill, artistry and knowledge that goes into letter design and carving. This is fulfilled through three key strands:

The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake.

Our beneficiaries fall into six categories:

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Achievements and performance

The highlights for the year included:

EDUCATION PROGRAMME

The Lettering Arts Trust’s Education Programme enables both inexperienced and experience practitioners to experiment and explore under the expert guidance of leading artists. We are one of the major providers of training in letter carving in the UK. We enable the UK’s long tradition of hand-designed lettering to continue by offering a broad range of training opportunities at different entry levels at artists' studios or educational venues across the UK.

Apprenticeship Scheme

Our two-year apprenticeship offers the rare opportunity to work and learn alongside acknowledged Masters of letter carving. This is real-life experience in a working studio.

Due to the support of the Behrens Foundation and The Radcliffe Trust LAT was able to put in place the first year of our 10[th] and 11[th] apprenticeships. This is the first time LAT has run two apprenticeships concurrently, and we decided to do so because of the calibre of the two short listed candidates for the scheme. The two apprentices in the year were:

Both made excellent progress during the year, and we look forward to their ongoing development in their second year.

Summarising her first year, Maia Gaffney-Hyde said,

“My first year has included learning the letterforms of the Trajan alphabet. Lowercase letters and italics. I have learnt skills such as sharpening, gilding, brush lettering, preparing a stone, working in a variety of stones, digitally drawing my letterforms and having them cut in other materials and how to fix a stone in the ground. The ability to carve with more confidence has, from my perspective, been the biggest leap forward in my journey to becoming a letter carver. I have become acquainted with how lettering can work as a business, from how and where to order stone, to how to engage with clients. Crucially this first year has been an amazing opportunity to experiment… It has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way.”

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Discussing Maia’s progress, Master carver Charlotte Howarth observed:

“I am specifically using the first year of the Apprenticeship to offer Maia this unpressured time to learn, where mistakes are OK, and even play an important role in learning.

We have covered much of the basic theory in letterforms, design and carving…Each piece that she has created has been a way to learn a wide range of techniques… as well as to hone her already excellent creative skills. I have rarely taught anyone with such good listening skills, an almost complete lack of defensiveness when her work is being critiqued – and her absolute focus on being the best letter carver, lettering artist she can be.”

Summarising her first year Rachel Butler said:

“I’ve been involved with meeting clients, the design process on commissions, site visits, helped with installing stones, completed my first alphabet (which involved many aspects such as preparing the stone, drawing, carving, painting and gilding) and started my next alphabet – Roman Capitals. There have been calligraphy lessons with Gaynor Goffe and drawing guidance from Tom Perkins. Having time to read and research from Eric’s vast book collection has been so interesting and influential. It’s been such an enjoyable experience and everyday there has been something new to learn. I don’t want it to end!”

Master carver Eric Marland commented upon Rachel’s progress:

“I can see how much Rachel is benefitting from the apprenticeship and feel certain she will make a valuable contribution to the lettering arts in the future if given a bit more time to hone her already considerable skills.”

The Journeyman Programme

Our Journeyman scheme gives experienced students who want to focus on improving a specific area of their craft, training for six to eight weeks under the guidance of a Master letter carver.

Our 2023 Journeyman, Sue Aperghis, stated of her work with Master letter carvers Annet Stirling and Charlotte Howarth:

“I'm so grateful for the Journeyman scheme that the Lettering Arts Trust set up for me. The incredible chance to work with two masters of letter cutting was an absolute privilege, one that I will always treasure, and hopefully pass on in time. It has given me the confidence and proficiency to start my own professional practice. I couldn't have done this without the support of the Lettering Arts Trust.”

“It’s been an incredible learning experience throughout my year as a Journeyman, and one that has pushed me out of my comfort zone, bolstered my practice and encouraged me to be far more critical and bold with my decisions. I’ve been astonished at the generosity of my tutors, not only, with their time and knowledge but with their willingness to integrate me into their busy lives. They have made me feel a valuable part of the letter cutting community.”

All the presentations were recorded and available to purchase and view on LAT’s website.

“Thank you very much for organising the symposium, I found it very informative and inspiring, even after having been carving for 16 years.” Simon Lonsdale

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Harriet Frazer Bursary Scheme

Our bursary scheme provides funds for training, tools or equipment to help people taking their first steps in a letter carving career. It also helps established letter carvers further their career.

The Harriet Frazer Bursary Scheme was named after LAT’s founder who led the organisation for 27 years.

LAT awarded two Harriet Frazer Bursaries in 2023.

Bea Locock, attended workshops with Master letter carver John Neilson, and reflections from her Instagram training diary included:

“Today’s highlights have included lots of advice and guidance in spacing numerals, a carving demonstration from John Neilson, a talk about his work by Tom Perkins and some seriously good date slices at lunch time”

“I finished drawing my numerals, traced them on to the stone and made a start on the carving (despite much procrastination on my part!). I was slightly dreading moving on to carving as it has been such a long time since I’ve attempted a letter… and I’ve never attempted to carve a number! But it wasn’t a total disaster!”

‘Many thanks to @letteringartstrust who awarded me the bursary which has allowed me to attend this course!”

Steve Mann’s bursary was spent on a workshop with Pip Hall. Acknowledging the value of the bursary Steve said:

“Pip Hall's introductory slide show on lettering styles and traditions was fascinating, and her individual tuition and relaxing manner made you feel totally at ease. Pip's ideas were inspirational, and it was a privilege to learn from such an influential figure in the craft. She taught me to 'use my eyes' more instead of getting hung up on ways I'd been previously taught.

I've come away from the experience with more confidence. Most importantly I'd like to thank the Lettering Arts Trust for their generosity in awarding me a bursary. It has been a great opportunity for my learning and development, as an aspiring letter carver.”

Emerging Carvers Symposium

Our professional development symposium is aimed at letter carvers and stone masons in the early stages of their careers offering insights into studio management, client relationships, creative collaboration, networking, marketing, simple accountancy and much more.

LAT was determined to build on the success of our 2021 Young Carvers’ Symposium, and in December 2023 organised a daylong online event titled ‘Carving A Career’ . Developed and curated by Karoline Newman, it offered professional development advice across nine sessions beginning with Master carver Richard Kindersley’s passionate presentation explaining that passion, experimentation and the ability to observe, listen and learn are characteristics for a satisfying and successful career.

There were 77 attendees, who paid £20 each for the day, making it accessible to students, artists, stonemasons, and general lettering enthusiasts.

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Artists that generously gave advice included Gaynor Goffe and Tom Perkins who pre-recorded their conversation about their interlinked working lives. Pip Hall discussed the benefits of creative partnerships in the context of the Stanza Stones project which was part of Yorkshire’s Cultural Olympiad. Lisi Ashbridge and Sue Aperghis recommended ongoing continuous training and funding sources. With social media such an important part of marketing, Zoe Wilson shared her experiences and impressive expertise.

From the wider professional realm there were presentations about practical topics. Exhibition curator Gregory Parsons offered insight into exhibiting and guidance for participating. Jeremy Tankard, Chair of Letter Exchange celebrated the fellowship amongst lettering enthusiasts and the benefits of networking. The complexity of quarrying for slate with an explanation of its geological formation and guidance for ordering was explained by Welsh Slate Quarry.

All the presentations were recorded and available to purchase and view on LAT’s website.

“Thank you very much for organising the symposium, I found it very informative and inspiring, even after having been carving for 16 years.” Simon Lonsdale

AWARENESS PROGRAMME

Exhibitions

LAT aims to deliver new and touring exhibitions each year in partnership with lettering artists and venues. As part of our engagement programme they offer the opportunity for artists to exhibit their works and for the public to experience a range of lettering artworks around a theme.

The Nereids

An exhibition of some 30 artworks depicting the nurturing maritime goddesses of antiquity, had its fourth outing. It was displayed in the watery environs of the Moseley Road Baths in Birmingham between 20 February and 10 March 2023 where it attracted interest from the local ethnically-diverse community. In addition to the enthusiastic response from the visitors to the gallery display, ten children from the local community attended a lettering workshop organised by LAT and run by lettering artist Chrissie Nichols.

“Iqbal doesn’t sit still very much. He has ADHD, but he watched the teacher draw and then worked on his lettering. It was good to see him doing something with focus – and calmly.” Comment from the mother of boy who attended the Nereids workshop in Birmingham.

Transfigured

Transfigured celebrated letter carving, where artists were encouraged to use offcuts in the spirit of recycling, reuse and reducing waste. The exhibition was in collaboration with Rachel Bebb Contemporary in Hampshire between 8 October to 4 November 2023. Five of the works were sold.

It featured the work of numerous lettering artists who are on LAT’s registered artists or who have benefited from the charity’s education programmes.

Exhibitor artists included Lisi Ashbridge, Nia Bennett, Rachel Butler, Emi Gordon, Pip Hall, Eric Marland, Anna Louise Parker, Tom Perkins, Helen Mary Skelton, Annet Stirling, Louise Tiplady, Zoe Singleton, Will Spankie and Pippa Westoby. At the Private View, Maya Martin, a former LAT Journeyman, gave a letter carving demonstration.

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Outreach

Outreach is important to LAT, and we aim to achieve this whenever LAT organises an event, or makes associations with other initiatives and organisations, to increase our audience engagement.

London Craft Week

Our presence in London Craft Week in May 2023 enabled LAT to present work by some of our former Journeymen who had studied at City & Guilds of London Art School (CGLAS). It featured work by Sue Aperghis, Ayako Furuno, George Edwards, and Heather Griffiths as well as highlighting the development of our two apprentices Rachel Butler and Maia Gaffney-Hyde alongside work by their Masters, Eric Marland and Charlotte Howarth respectively. The exhibition remained in situ for a month, raising awareness for LAT’s educational programmes and its commissioning service.

LAT had a longstanding association with CGLAS where many letter carvers gain their first insights into the intricacies of letter design and carving as part of their BA studies.

Special interest groups’ talks

Art & Memory Collection

Our national collection is a resource for the public, designed to inspire visitors and inform them about the possibilities of the artform.

The collection consists of 63 specially commissioned lettered works in stone, wood and cast iron by many of the UK’s foremost lettering artists. It is the UK’s only collection of contemporary lettered memorial art and is designed to show the public the eloquence and range of contemporary letter carving.

The artworks are on display at six sites across the UK:

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

On a lovely day in September 2023 supporters gathered at Corpusty, Norfolk to thank those who had made it possible to relocate 17 headstones, formerly at Snape Priory to St Peter’s churchyard. Attending the event were representatives from the Behrens Foundation and Norfolk Churches Trust amongst the guests admiring the new public setting for this important section of the national Art & Memory collection.

Also, in autumn 2023, 15 artworks were moved from Wales and added to the incumbent collection at Grimsthorpe, Lincolnshire.

Media coverage

We endeavour to gain coverage of the artform, artists and LAT in the media aimed at extending our engagement. The highlight for 2023 were:

Digital Presence

In 2023 our website received 29,000 visitor sessions with an average visit of over 2 minutes each, indicating a meaningful online engagements with LAT. Social media platforms also showed significant engagement leading to website visits including 1,400 from Pinterest, 355 from Facebook and 422 from Instagram.

COMMISSIONING SERVICE

Part of our mission is to encourage the public to commission commemorative and celebratory works from our registered artists. As new works are created, we raise the profile of the art, help to sustain the craft of letter carving and support artist livelihoods. The service involves understanding the needs of, and providing advice to, clients from across the UK and putting them in touch with the registered artist most appropriate to their commission.

“Last year my daughter contacted you about a suitable artist to undertake a memorial stone for my late wife…You put us in touch with Fiona Flack… I am very happy to tell you that yesterday saw the installation of a beautiful heather slate memorial stone. The whole process was so well managed by Fiona, and it was a delight to work with her. She helped us develop our ideas, always ready with suggestions and very flexible and willing to redevelop ideas until we reached the final design… It was great to visit her studio to see drawings developing and then to view the beautiful stone before she started working on the carving… the end result was beyond my expectations. Thank you for the work of the lettering trust in facilitating the initial introduction to Fiona.” Robin Newman

We maintain our register of UK’s finest lettering artists, inviting new applications on an annual basis. At the end of 2023 we had 57 registered artists. In the year we welcomed Gus Fisher and Ed Hall to our register. We also said farewell dear friends Giles McDonald, Chris Elsey and Michael Rust who were remarkably skilled lettering and letter carving artists who supported the Lettering Arts Trust and sadly died in 2023.

Our commissioning service received 277 enquires in 2022 and 261 in 2023. From these 60 commissions were completed in 2023.

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DEVELOPMENT AND FUNDING

We are an independent charity that does not receive government or local authority funding and rely heavily on the generosity of trusts and foundations, private donors and in-kind support to enable our education and awareness programmes to continue.

During the year we engaged Heather Dwyer, founder of Plum Funding, to help trustees develop a new fundraising strategy and to assist with our fundraising.

We were also indebted to volunteers who give their time and assistance, supporting some of our administrative functions and enabling the LAT to extend its work. We would like to acknowledge the support of Sara Morton and Clare Baldwin for assisting with website and online retail development.

We continued to be supported by a range of funders and were extremely grateful for their generosity. Our grant supporters in the year were:

We were also thankful for our in-kind sponsors that included:

In the year we also received £9,602 in donations from individuals.

This was the seventh year of the Friends of the Lettering Arts Trust membership scheme and we received £1,990 in the year from 27 members.

We also thanked our Friends for Life Supporters: Harriet Frazer, Anthony Kedros, Mr and Mrs Twiss, Rosemary Close-Brooks, Chris Smart, Cynthia Millar, Lady Tennant, Frederick Mulder, Dr and Mrs Pollard, Graeme Cottam, Mr and Mrs Grieve, Patricia Lovett, Richard Oldfield, Robert Smyth, Sarah Greenall, Tim Elliott.

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Financial review

2023 was the first full year operating remotely and flexibly, following LAT’s transition away from its former office, gallery and shop premise in 2022, alongside a lower staffing level. The transition led to a 40% reduction in expenditure compared to 2022. In the year, Trustees absorbed some of the charity’s day to day management responsibilities to help consolidate this change.

The focus of the year was on effective utilisation of resources and maintaining financial sustainability.

At the end of 2023 we had the following two funds:

The Trust received income of £125,731 (2022: £172,853) comprised of donations, grants and earned income profits from our trading subsidiary.

The Charity’s trading subsidiary, LCAT Trading Limited, contributed to the Trust £24,899 (2022: 41,268) during the year in the form of service charge and a donation.

The Trust’s expenditure on charitable activities, raising funds and other costs was £91,701 (2022: £159,272). This resulted in a net income of £34,027 (2022: £13,581) for the year.

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the Trust that unrestricted funds, not designated for a specific use, should be maintained at a level equivalent to at least three months’ operating expenditure. The Trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the Trust’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves were not maintained during the year.

Risk management

The Trustees assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. The risks are however assessed regularly and if necessary new systems are put in place.

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Plans for the future

In our planning for 2024 we intend to:

Assist new and developing letter carvers through our education programme, including the second year of our 10th and 11th apprenticeships alongside at least 4 Journeymen and 2 Bursary awards.

Engage with the public through our commissioning service and engagement programme, including a new and a touring exhibition, outreach opportunities and collaborate with other venues to amplify our activities and reach a broader audience.

Commission one new piece for our Art & Memory Collection to raise awareness of the collection and LAT’s work as a whole.

Work with our professional fundraiser to help open doors and build relationships with trusts and foundations.

Develop a three-year plan for LAT.

Structure, governance and management

The Lettering and Commemorative Arts Trust (LCAT) is a company limited by guarantee and was incorporated on 3 February 2012 as amended by a special resolution registered at Companies House on 16 August 2012. LCAT was the successor to The Memorial Arts Charity (reg number 1071427), founded by Harriet Frazer MBE in 1998. All of the Memorial Arts Charity's assets were transferred to LCAT.

The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Catherine Samy Ron Clarke (Treasurer) Charlotte Howarth Claire Bodanis Eric Marland Mark Noad (Chair) Nicholas Heath Elisabeth Ashbridge Karoline Newman Teucer Wilson

(Resigned 28 January 2023) (Resigned 28 January 2023) (Resigned 30 April 2024)

(Appointed 30 April 2023) (Appointed 10 July 2024)

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

New Trustees are appointed by the Board of Trustees with reference to the skills, experience and diversity of the Board at the time. A combination of internal and external networks are used in recruiting new trustees, who may serve for one or more three year term. All new Trustees participate in a full induction.

None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. Trustees are directors for the purpose of company law and are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

The Trustees met formally on eight occasions during 2023. Day to day management in this year has been by the Trustees supported by two employees.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.

The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mark Noad (Chair)

Trustee Dated: 8 August 2024

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Lettering & Commemorative Arts Trust (the Charity) for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the Charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement - Going Concern

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Rachel Skells BA FCA

The Old Exchange 64 West Stockwell Street Colchester Essex CO1 1HE

Dated: 8 August 2024

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
2
89,949
9,200
Charitable activities
3
980
-
Investments
4
1,602
-
Other income
5
24,000
-
Total income
116,531
9,200
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
366
-
Charitable activities
7
82,770
8,568
Other expenditure
12
-
-
Total expenditure
83,136
8,568
Net income and movement in
funds
33,395
632
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2023
96,355
10,468
Fund balances at 31 December
2023
129,750
11,100		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
99,149
122,269
6,878
980
82
2,171
1,602
185
-
24,000
41,268
-
125,731
163,804
9,049
366
3,103
903
91,338
139,614
13,414
-
484
1,754
91,704
143,201
16,071
34,027
20,603
(7,022)
106,823
75,752
17,490
140,850
96,355
10,468		 Total
2022
£
129,147
2,253
185
41,268
172,853
4,006
153,028
2,238
159,272
13,581
93,242
106,823

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
Fixed assets
Investments
14
Current assets
Debtors
15
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
16
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets excluding pension liability
The funds of the Charity
Restricted income funds
19
Unrestricted funds - general
Unrestricted funds - designated
18		 2023
£
12,229
136,944
149,173
(8,423)		 £
100
140,750
140,850
140,850
11,100
61,910
67,840
140,850		 2022
£
31,604
82,784
114,388
(7,665)		 £
100
106,723
106,823
106,823
10,468
96,355
-
106,823

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 8 August 2024

Mark Noad (Chair)

Trustee

Company registration number 07936156 (England and Wales)

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Lettering & Commemorative Arts Trust is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is .

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The Charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

These financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis. The trustees have completed a review of the Trust’s activities and fundraising plan to ensure the charity can continue to deliver it's mission and remain financially sustainable.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the Charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Resources expended include attributable VAT, which cannot be recovered.

1.6 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the Charity. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

1.7 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.8 Financial instruments

Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at amortised cost.

Financial assets comprise cash at bank and in hand, together with trade and other debtors. A specific provision is made for debts for which recoverability is in doubt. Cash at bank and in hand is defined as all cash held in instant access bank accounts and used as working capital. Investments, including those in subsidiary undertakings are held at fair value at the balance sheet date, with gains and losses being recognised within income and expenditure.

Financial liabilities held at amortised cost comprise all creditors except social security and other taxes, deferred income and provisions.

1.9 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.10 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.11 Group accounts

The charity has taken advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard No 2 not to produce consolidated accounts as the total gross income of the group is below the threshold for a statutory charity audit.

2 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
general
£
£
Donations and gifts
13,449
-
Grants receivable for core activities
76,500
9,200
89,949
9,200
For the year ended 31 December 2022
122,269
6,878
Donations and gifts
Other
13,449
-
13,449
-
Grants receivable for core activities
The Masons' Livery Company
500
-
The Behrens Foundation
75,000
-
The Radcliffe Trust
-
8,000
The Bartlet Family Fund
1,000
J Paul Getty Charitable Foundation
Heritage culture recovery fund
-
Anthony Weld Forester Trust
200
Art Friends Cambridgeshire
1,000
Others
-
76,500
9,200		 Total
2023
£
13,449
85,700
99,149
13,449
13,449
500
75,000
8,000
1,000
-
-
200
1,000
-
85,700		 Total
2022
£
46,769
82,378
129,147
129,147
46,769
46,769
500
75,000
1,000
2,000
2,078
1,800
82,378

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

3 Charitable activities

Insurance
commission
Training
workshops
£
£
Sale of goods
-
-
Other income
-
980
-
980
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
-
980
For the year ended 31 December 2022
Unrestricted funds - general
82
-
Restricted funds
-
2,171
82
2,171
4
Income from investments		 Total
2023
£
-
980
980
980		 Total
2022
£
2,253
-
2,253
82
2,171
2,253
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Interest receivable 1,602 185
5 Other income
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
LCAT Trading service charge 24,000 41,268

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

6
Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Staging fundraising
events
-
-
Advertising
366
-
Other fundraising costs
-
-
366
-		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
-
-
903
366
2,292
-
-
811
-
366
3,103
903		 Total
2022
£
903
2,292
811
4,006

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

7 Charitable activities

Restricted
expenditure
Unrestricted
expenditure
2023
2023
£
£
Staff costs
1,893
38,460
Bursaries
975
-
Workshop costs
-
-
Event costs
-
3,591
Apprenticeships
5,700
25,160
Journeyman scheme costs
-
-
Computing costs and PPS
-
4,340
Telephone and fax
-
-
Travel expense
-
603
Legal and professional fees
-
-
Subscriptions
-
472
8,568
72,626
Share of support costs (see note 8)
-
4,291
Share of governance costs (see note 8)
-
5,853
8,568
82,770
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
-
82,770
Restricted funds
8,568
-
8,568
82,770
For the year ended 31 December 2022
Unrestricted funds - general
-
139,614
Restricted funds
13,414
-
13,414
139,614		 Total
2023
£
40,353
975
-
3,591
30,860
-
4,340
-
603
-
472
81,194
4,291
5,853
91,338
82,770
8,568
91,338		 Total
2022
£
86,180
-
2,171
8,958
-
3,000
1,576
2,307
1,003
600
1,286
107,081
39,085
6,862
153,028
139,614
13,414
153,028
139,614
13,414
153,028

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

8 Support costs

Support costs Governance
costs
£
£
Rent and rates
419
-
Repairs and maintenance
-
-
Insurance
858
-
Bank charges
60
-
Consultancy fees
2,954
-
Accountancy
-
5,853
4,291
5,853
Analysed between
Charitable activities
4,291
5,853		 2023Support costs
Governance
costs
£
£
£
419
17,556
-
-
1,480
-
858
975
-
60
81
-
2,954
18,993
-
5,853
-
6,862
10,144
39,085
6,862
10,144
39,085
6,862		 2022
£
17,556
1,480
975
81
18,993
6,862
45,947
45,947

Governance costs includes payments to the independent examiner of £5,853 (2022- £5,565) including costs of £1,033 (2022 £1,297) for other services.

9 Net movement in funds 2023 2022
£ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets - 2,238

10 Trustees

None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year. £844 of travel expenses was reimbursed to one Trustee (£2022: nil) and £888 paid to one Trustee for the service of developing, curating and hosting the Charity's online symposium.

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2023 2022
Number Number
2 3

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

11
Employees
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Other pension costs		 (Continued)
2023
2022
£
£
39,773
84,892
580
1,288
40,353
86,180		 (Continued)
2023
2022
£
£
39,773
84,892
580
1,288
40,353
86,180
86,180

There were no employees who received total employee benefits of more than £60,000.

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

12 Other expenditure

Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
2023 2023 2023 2022 2022 2022
£ £ £ £ £ £
Net loss on disposal of
tangible fixed assets - - - 484 1,754 2,238

13 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its income and gains where they are applied directly for charitable purposes.

14 Fixed asset investments

Other
investments
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023 & 31 December 2023 100
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023 100
At 31 December 2022 100

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

14
Fixed asset investments
Other investments comprise:
Notes
Investments in subsidiaries
22
15
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other taxation and social security
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
17
Retirement benefit schemes
Defined contribution schemes
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes		 (Continued)
2023
2022
£
£
100
100
2023
2022
£
£
12,229
31,604
2023
2022
£
£
728
415
154
110
7,541
7,140
8,423
7,665
2023
2022
£
£
580
1,288		 (Continued)
2023
2022
£
£
100
100
2023
2022
£
£
12,229
31,604
2023
2022
£
£
728
415
154
110
7,541
7,140
8,423
7,665
2023
2022
£
£
580
1,288
2022
£
31,604
2022
£
415
110
7,140
7,665
2022
£
1,288

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund.

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

18 Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds
At 1 January Incoming Resources Transfers Gains and At 31
2023 resources expended losses December
2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Designated Funds
Education
Programme - 21,000 (25,160) 41,000 - 36,840
Engagement
Programme - 21,000 - 10,000 - 31,000
General funds 96,355 74,531 (57,976) (51,000) - 61,910
96,355 116,531 (83,136) - - 129,750
Previous year: At 1 January Incoming Resources Transfers Gains and At 31
2022 resources expended losses December
2022
£ £ £ £ £ £
General funds 75,752 163,804 (143,201) - - 96,355

Designated funds

Education Programme - Provides new and experienced letter carvers with training, funding, opportunities to exhibit, and a range of career development services.

Engagement Programme - Provides opportunities for the public to learn and participate in the age-old yet contemporary letter carving craft.

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

19 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

Movement in funds Movement in funds Movement in funds Movement in funds
Balance at Income Expenditure Balance at Income Expenditure Balance at
1 January 1 January 31 December
2022 2023 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £ £
Education
programme 9,745 9,049 (8,326) 8,575 9,200 (6,675) 11,100
Lettering Arts
Centre Fund 7,745 - (7,745) 1,893 - (1,893) -
17,490 9,049 (16,071) 10,468 9,200 (8,568) 11,100

The Education programme provides new and experienced letter carvers with training, funding, opportunities to exhibit, and a range of career development services.

The Lettering Arts Centre Fund was utilised to maintain a dedicated premises for activities supporting education, appreciation and awareness of lettering and lettercarving arts. Following a strategic review, The Lettering Arts Centre closed on 31st July 2022 in favour of more collaborative activities in wider geographical areas and a range of organisations.

20 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
At 31 December 2023:
Investments
100
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
129,650
11,100
129,750
11,100		 Total
2023
£
100
140,750
140,850

THE LETTERING & COMMEMORATIVE ARTS TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

20 Analysis of net assets between funds (Continued)
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2022 2022 2022
£ £ £
At 31 December 2022:
Investments 100 - 100
Current assets/(liabilities) 96,255 10,468 106,723
96,355 10,468 106,823

21 Related party transactions

During the year The Lettering and Commemorative Arts Trust charged management expenses to LCAT Trading Limited of £24,000 (2022 £41,268).

At the year end a total of £12,228 was owed by LCAT Trading Limited (2022: £31,604).

22 Subsidiaries

Details of the Charity's subsidiaries at 31 December 2023 are as follows:
Name of undertaking Registered
Nature of business		 Class of % Held
office shares held Direct Indirect
LCAT Trading Limited United Kingdom Retail sales Ordinary 100.00

The aggregate capital and reserves and the result for the year of subsidiaries excluded from consolidation was as follows:

Name of undertaking Profit/(Loss) Capital and
Reserves
£ £
LCAT Trading Limited 3,520 3,620