Making Mischief Oral History Project, 'Swan Upper' full

London College of Fashion

Jerry has been a swan upper since 1996. He’s a sixth generation Thames Waterman, and has also taken part in the Dogget’s Coat and Badge race. He talks about his involvement in the Dyers Company which is one of three livery companies which undertakes the monitoring of the King’s swans on the River Thames each year. The Dyers dress in blue, Breton-style striped tops, white trousers, and navy jackets. Jerry feels very strongly that the tradition of Swan Upping needs to be more widely known about.