Since the 12th century craft guilds (or "Livery Companies", as they came to be known when Royal Charters had been obtained and from their ceremonial uniforms), were formed to protect and regulate the City’s many trades and crafts. Over the centuries, their roles became more focused on the charitable roles which had always been a part of their purpose, and upon the ceremonial aspects of their city lives.

​

Since the 1920s there has been a marked resurgence of interest in Livery Companies, and the "Modern Companies" currently number 31 out of a total of 113. The Modern Companies are very relevant to contemporary City life and include the Firefighters, Information Technologists, Educators and International Bankers.

​

It is into this Livery revival that the Guild of Arts Scholars, Dealers and Collectors was born, the brainchild of the Past Master and Founder Clerk, the late Jonathan Horne (1940-2010) and Lord Brooke of Sutton Mandeville. The Guild gained official status from the City in April 2005 and was recognised by the Court of Aldermen as a Company without Livery in September 2010 as the Company of Arts Scholars, before becoming the 110th Worshipful Company of The City of London on the 11th February 2014.