Category: Steven Ferry

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Newsletter Steven Ferry

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, December 2021, Message from the Chairman

Steven FerryMessage from the Chairman

This is not a goodbye….for two truisms come to mind when I sit down to write this last edition of the Modern Butlers’ Journal: Without change, life would be boring; and the more things change, the more they stay the same.

The fact is that the Journal has been published without break for 15 years, well into the age where quick and easy-to-assimilate information delivered on smartphones and social media has become the general preference.

At the same time, Mrs. Ferry and I are not just well past retirement age—like so many of the leading lights in our profession—and needing to turn over to the next generation to carry the torch of knowledge, but we are also heavily involved in supporting human rights organizations as well as developing real artificial intelligence that can be used to improve our lives, rather than replace us with cyborgs and control us within an inch of our lives.

While these are amongst several projects vying for our attention, we will always remain a part of the butler community and help out where we can.

That is why Mr. Amer Vargas, who has been with us almost from the beginning, has been taking over the reins of the Institute and bringing it up to the 21st Century. He will also be the editor for the MBJ. Yes, the MBJ will live on, not as a journal but as a regular series of short posts on LinkedIn and other social media where appropriate.

You will see some of the same columns, including from myself, from time to time. And you will see new material.

Why?

Because the Institute is opening up the MBJ, as the longest running publication in the profession, to the Alliance of Professional Butler Trainers, to be the journal that represents the entire profession, not just the Institute. That means you will receive the benefit of the wisdom and perspective of multiple professional butlers and trainers and be part of a much larger community as the members of the Alliance send out posts to their members, too.

If you have not already done so, follow the International Institute of Modern Butlers in Linkedin so you can receive notice of the posts as they are published and remain part of this privileged community of butlers and household/estates managers.

With gratitude for those who have walked this unique road for so long with us and wishing you continued success and happiness—starting with the 2021 holiday season and your decisions for 2022 and onwards.

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people- skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.

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Butler standards Newsletter Steven Ferry

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, December 2021, The Wisdom of Butlers Past

Steven FerryThe Wisdom of Butlers Past, part 55

by Steven Ferry

Proper Behaviour

Proper etiquette at the kitchen table for staff meals was covered in the last issue, and the book then swings into 22 pages of how staff should behave toward each other, as well as with family and guests. The advice begins with sentiments that we would find most acceptable today, and which are most timely as we enter the holiday season of good cheer:

“The more you endeavour to promote the happiness of those around you, the more you will secure your own. Consider that you must live with fellow servants like yourself, made up of imperfections, which will give you an opportunity of exercising your patience and forbearance towards them, as they will have to do towards you.

“Be not hasty in passing judgment on any one, as we are called on to act with Christian charity towards each other; that is, to do unto others as we would they should do unto us, were we in their situation and they in ours: if this were to be attended to, our lives would pass more pleasantly with us than they do; but how different is the practice in general to this I have no need to say, as observation and wo[e]ful experience will soon teach us what domestic quarrels families are too often the scenes of.

“There you will see envy, malice, duplicity, dishonesty, misrepresentation, and every other evil, to the tormenting of each other, instead of dwelling together in affection and unity, and living in peace and happiness, and making their home a little heaven, as they might if they were so inclined; instead of which they make it a hell on earth, by their wicked ways and disagreeable tempers, and wishing to tyrannize over each other: this seems to be the great bane in families, as I have known places where the servants have had every necessary good to make them comfortable provided by their employers, yet are miserable and wretched through not agreeing one with the other; thinking, I suppose, that happiness and respectability consist in having rule and authority over our fellow servants; but this is quite a mistake, as it consists in performing the duty which is allotted us, and doing unto others as we would wish they should do unto us: herein lies our true happiness.”

Extracted from the 1823 book, The Footman’s Directory and Butler’s Remembrancer, re-published in hardback by Pryor Publications. You may obtain your discounted copy (with free s&h) by emailing the publisher: Mr. Pryor (alan AT pryor-publications.co.uk).

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.

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Leather Care Newsletter Steven Ferry

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, December 2021, Care of Leather Goods

Steven Ferry Care of Leather Goods, Part 14

by Steven Ferry

Leather Furniture

Leather furniture either has a protective layer or is unfinished: Unfinished (aniline) leather is full grain leather that has been dyed the whole way through and does not have a protective coating on it, so while on the plus side it ages well, developing a patina, it can stain more easily.

This is simple enough to manage: Apply saddle soap with a damp cloth to any lighter stains; heavier ones, such as ballpoint marks, can sometimes be removed with a Q tip dipped in rubbing alcohol and applied only to the stain. Some aniline leather is injected with oils and waxes and some is nubuck leather that has been buffed to create a velvety feel.

To minimize staining by liquids, tamp immediately with paper towels; oil-based stains that absorb into the leather can be removed, sometimes with multiple applications, using a leather degreaser.

Leathers with protective coatings that sport a uniform look can simply be dusted with a dry cloth (a vacuum cleaner can be used with a soft-brush or thin attachment where crumbs and dust warrant it) and wiped down with a dampened cloth when needed.

Apply a leather conditioner or cream from time to time with a soft cloth to moisturize and soften full grain leather.

As with any leather, do not let furniture sit in direct sunlight, or next to a fire, radiator, or even HVAC vent, all of which will dry and crack the leather over time. One other caveat is to train pets from using leather furniture as a scratching post or chew toy, and even from sitting on it, as their claws can leave random scratches that go beyond an appealing patina.

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.

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Newsletter Steven Ferry

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, November 2021, Message from the Chairman

Steven FerryMessage from the Chairman

A meme recently caught my eye, as it is particularly germane to butlers caring for their employers and the property of their employers—just as much as it is to familial relationships, friendships, and vintage cars.

And with so much that is worrisome today, it helps to sit down with a cup of tea (or coffee) every now and then and remember these words:

Which brings us to a small announcement of modernization at the International Institute of Modern Butlers: We will be leaving behind the 20th Century idea of newsletters for communicating to members and readers, and instead, be switching to LinkedIn/social media. This issue, and the next one in December, will be the last ones, ending 16 years of constant coverage.

You will still see the same content, but through our LinkedIn portal, so if you are not already connected to The International Institute of Modern Butlers on LinkedIn, please do so.

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people- skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.

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Leather Care Newsletter Steven Ferry

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, November 2021, Care of Leather Goods

Steven Ferry Care of Leather Goods, Part 12

by Steven Ferry

Suede

While leather is the outside of an animal’s hide, suede is the inside of the hide and thus porous, so one does not use any polishes on it. Instead, use a rubber/eraser or even fingernail file to rub down any oil or stain and try to reveal the fabric again.

To remove dust and dirt, you need to raise the nap/surface of the fabric, the direction of the fibers, either by applying steam from about 10 inches away or by using a suede copper wire brush or similar, moving in a direction against the nap;

Then spray with suede spray [photo] to clean and also waterproof/protect from stains; do this in the open air, as the spray is highly toxic;

Finish by brushing in the direction of the nap so the material returns to its normal look.

If the suede becomes overly wet, soak up any excess moisture with paper towels and then follow the same procedure as used for leather in order to dry gently.

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.

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Butler training Newsletter Steven Ferry

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, November 2021, Butlers In the Media

Steven FerryButlers in the Media

by Steven Ferry

 

 

An almost complete black-out on butlers in the media this month, with just one mention of a resort chain that should know better, because they have proper butlers and yet are now downgrading that concept for their guests by introducing “pizza butlers.”

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.

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Butler standards Newsletter Steven Ferry

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, November 2021, The Wisdom of Butlers Past

Steven FerryThe Wisdom of Butlers Past, part 54

by Steven Ferry

 

 

Kitchen Meals

These meals were for the staff in the kitchen and required all staff to be present unless engaged in work for the employers. Anyone not arriving on time for grace to be said, had their food returned to the kitchen. The table was laid by the Hallboy, the entry level position for males. The manservants were expected to draw the beer for the meal, but not too much, as “shameful waste often brings wo[e]ful want to those who are so sinful as to be careless and extravagant in the provisions committed to their charge.” Any beer taken from the keg and not used was to be poured into a bottle and mixed in with the next day’s beer.

As for what to do during the meal, “talk but little while eating; I have known some who have been so rude as to talk all manner of filthy conversation at such times, which is a disgrace to any human being, and ought not to be suffered in any place, above all in a gentleman’s house. Some likewise cannot sit a moment without lolling upon the table, or cutting and chipping a bit of bread, or something of that kind, or rubbing the tablecloth with their fingers, or else knocking the knives against each other: avoid all such foolish actions. If you have done eating first, sit upright and behave respectfully, and never get up till all have done, unless your business calls you. Do not abuse the plenty you may see before you by suffering it to tempt you to eat and drink till you can do it no longer, or till you feel uncomfortable: this is a hoggish practice, and frustrates the designs of Providence; for, when the stomach is overcharged, it does harm instead of good, as it cannot digest well, particularly if you have not much exercise, as you cannot then require so much support; and gluttony and excess not only unfit the body for exercise, but likewise clog the wheels of the mind, and make it seem a trouble to read, move, think, or do anything else.”

Furthermore, arguments and complaints were not tolerated; it was thought these were engaged in by those who had not enjoyed a good meal before being employed.

While the staff were not allowed to enjoy themselves at table, nor to eat their fill nor even talk, for some reason, the exact opposite applied to employers and guests when they were eating.

 

 

Extracted from the 1823 book, The Footman’s Directory and Butler’s Remembrancer, re-published in hardback by Pryor Publications. You may obtain your discounted copy (with free s&h) by emailing the publisher: Mr. Pryor (alan AT pryor-publications.co.uk).

 

 

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.

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Butler standards Newsletter Steven Ferry

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, October 2021, The Wisdom of Butlers Past

Steven FerryThe Wisdom of Butlers Past

by Steven Ferry

 

PART 53, AFTER DINNER  

Protocols for Candles

Candles and oil lamps were the only source of light at night and required attentive care. “Observe to have all your lamps and candles lighted up in the drawing-room a little before the guests come. If there is a glass chandelier or sconces, and if they are so high that you cannot reach them without steps, you had better have a small cane or stick with a wax-taper tied at the end, and an extinguisher; if you have this, you will be enabled to light them and put them out without having to bring the steps into the room, which is very inconvenient at such times: always prepare your candles before you set them up, that they may be ready to light without much trouble. I hope you never will attempt to blow them out, when the company are gone, with your mouth or even a pair of bellows, as this is both dirty and very dangerous.”

 

 

Extracted from the 1823 book, The Footman’s Directory and Butler’s Remembrancer, re-published in hardback by Pryor Publications. You may obtain your discounted copy (with free s&h) by emailing the publisher: Mr. Pryor (alan AT pryor-publications.co.uk).

 

 

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.

Categories
Butler training Newsletter Steven Ferry

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, October 2021, Butlers In the Media

Steven FerryButlers in the Media

by Steven Ferry

 

 

Trust a psychologist to twist reality into their own negative world view, turning a butler’s ability and desire to finesse a situation into a comfortable one for all concerned, into the assertion that the butler is lying—and from this negative evaluation, creating a new term according to this Psychology Today article, of Butler Lies that are defined as “lies we tell to avoid social interaction.”

Otherwise, there were three instances this month of the butler being used in commerce:

Dobson the Butler—how some of the world sees our profession!

Then there is The Butler, a red wine of undetermined composition.

And the Car Butler—a “Wood Vehicle Clothes Hanger” that sits on the back of the driver’s seat headrest. Although we are not sure how many “Wood Vehicles” are on the road that could benefit from such a hanger.

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.

Categories
Leather Care Newsletter Steven Ferry

The Modern Butlers’ Journal, October 2021, Care of Leather Goods

Steven Ferry Care of Leather Goods, Part 12

by Steven Ferry

Exceptions & Hacks on Cleaning & Polishing

For patent (high gloss) leather, apply the white cream designed for patent leather with a cloth and wipe off—do not use a brush or regular shoe polish cream or wax;

If multi-colored shoes, such as in the case of some ladies shoes or golf shoes, use a neutral-colored polish;

Shoes made of snake, alligator, ostrich, etc. skins need to be handled delicately with gentle motions using soft cloth—as their surface can be harmed by brushing/rough brushing. Also, they may require their own polish.

Remove salt stains by rubbing with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water;

Use rubbing alcohol to remove deep scuff marks (or one can try toothpaste rubbed in with a damp cloth).

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.