HAND ENGRAVERS ASSOCIATION AND BADDELEY BROTHERS ANNOUCE THE GREETING CARD DESIGN COMPETITION 2024
* OPEN FOR ENTRIES! *
We are so excited to launch our national greetings card design competition again. For the fourth year running, professional, trainee or enthusiast engravers based in Britain will get the chance to have their design professionally printed.
The design should be based on a winter, festive or new year theme and entered by 12th June 2024. They can be submitted either electronically or on wrong-reading copperplate.
Entries will be judged by the Directors at Baddeley Brothers and the Director of the Hand Engravers Association.
Once chosen the winning design will be printed using the traditional die-stamping process. The winner will be invited to visit the workshops at Baddeley Brothers in London and see the card being produced.
The winner will receive 100 cards printed from their design and a £100 voucher to use for courses, masterclasses, membership or events organised by the Hand Engravers Association.
For full details of the competition and helpful hints please read our Greeting Card Competition 2024 How To Enter info.
Enter online at: https://form.jotform.com/handengravers/card-competition-2024
Image: the printed stock of the 2023 winning entry, designed and engraved by Ibrahim Batchelder
EMBELLISH: THE ART OF THE ENGRAVER
Pictured above: Spinning Bowl by Alan Craxford
Embellish: The Art of Hand Engraving
9 July to 6 August 2023
Tennants Auctioneers Ltd, The Auction Centre, Harmby Road, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 5SG
The Hand Engravers Association presents Embellish: The Art of Hand Engraving, an exhibition featuring work from contemporary UK based hand engravers, exposing the diversity and beauty of objects hand engraved today.
Hand engraving is the ancient art of embellishing metal and gem materials by removing material with hand held tools. It is applied to commemorative items, jewellery and silverware, guns, clocks and watches, enamelled objects, seals and used to produce printed and embossed items. Common themes are inscriptions and heraldry but specialist hand engravers can produce portraits, landscapes and complex patterns and decoration.
Showcasing works by established and renowned engravers such as Malcolm Appleby, George Lukes and Gerald Benney alongside next generation award winners Ibrahim Batchelder, Anastasia Young and Anna Olafsson, the exhibition reveals that engraving can be applied to any object with any theme.
Highlights of the show include Joanna Migdal’s engraved sundial, Karen Wallace’s carved rifle cover, Jane Short’s enamelled and engraved dish and Megan Rigby’s spectacularly detailed desk seal.
A unique opportunity to discover fine hand engraving, the majority of artworks presented in the exhibition are not usually on public display. Objects have been loaned from engravers and private collections with a selection from the exceptional gathering of 20th century silver that is The Pearson Silver Collection.
Talks by John Andrew, “Why Was There a Renaissance in British Silver Post 1945?”, 10.30am and 2.30pm Wednesday 12 July, booking on Tennants website.
ANNOUNCING THE HAND ENGRAVING DISCOVERY DAY
* BOOKING NOW! *
Pictured above: workshop at Westley Richards.
DISCOVERY DAY
Our ‘Discovery Days’ enable guests to see, hear, experience, explore and learn more about hand engraving and associated trades in a historical or modern day context. Aimed at all engraving enthusiasts, from those who have just discovered the craft to seasoned professionals, Discovery Days give us a greater understanding and appreciation of contemporary hand engraving by focussing on particular specialisms or learning about their heritage.
DISCOVERY DAY – BIRMINGHAM – FRIDAY 16th JUNE 2023
Join us in Birmingham for one, two or three events!
We are thrilled to announce a two hour behind-the-scenes visit to the workshops of Westley Richards [www.westleyrichards.com] at 10am on Friday 16 June. Westley Richards is one of the oldest surviving traditional handmade gun and rifle makers in England. Built with supreme precision, the company has established a reputation for the highest quality guns matched with unparalleled levels of artistry. “Our engravings are of such distinctiveness and skill we are now regarded as the home of the Art Gun”. Founded in 1812, in Britain’s historic gun making capital of Birmingham, the company has retained its roots there, and is now the last remaining large-scale manufacturer near to the original Gun Quarter.
The tour will be led by Managing Director, Anthony Alborough-Tregear, with renowned engraver Vince Crowley in attendance, to answer all your technical questions. Book your place now on this small group visit, organised for members of the Hand Engravers Association, £20 per person but book before midnight 27/5/2023 for early bird discounted price of £10. https://form.jotform.com/handengravers/discovery-day-16-6
At 2pm, members and non members are invited to join us at Birmingham Assay Office for the Hand Engravers Association AGM with special guest speaker Freddie Toye, Chair of Toye, Kenning and Spencer [www.toye.com].
Toye, Kenning & Spencer, the home of insignia, regalia, jewellery, ceremonial, awards and bespoke objets d’art since 1685, has metal and enamelling workshops based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. An interesting link following on from last year’s AGM guest speaker Tessa Murdoch – Toye, Kenning and Spencer was founded by Guillaume Henri Toye, a Huguenot weaver.
Guests can attend in-person or online via Zoom. Free entry, booking essential.
Following the AGM and talk, there is a tour of the Birmingham Assay Office’s silver collection – gain insights into the rich history and achievements of the Assay Office while gaining exclusive access to their knowledgeable experts and their expertise on the esteemed silver collection. The tour, including tea, coffee and biscuits is £25 per person. Members and non-members welcome (members can take advantage of a £5 early bird discount by booking before midnight 27/5/2023).
Advance booking essential.
Questions? Please visit https://form.jotform.com/handengravers/discovery-day-16-6 or email info@handengravers.org.uk
ANNOUNCING THE CLOCK AND WATCH ENGRAVING COMPETITION
* ENTER NOW! *
Pictured above: detail of engraved watches from The Clockmakers’ Museum, London
We are thrilled to launch the inaugural Clock and Watch Engraving Competition, in partnership with the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers.
Entrants are asked to submit an engraved dial that could be used in a timepiece or a hand engraved complete clock or watch.
Open to any professional, trainee or amateur engravers based in Great Britain, over the age of 18.
The engraving could be based on a traditional design, or an original, contemporary theme and must be entered by 10 January 2023.
The winner will be selected by representatives from the Clockmakers’ Company and the Hand Engravers Association.
The winner will be invited to attend the prestigious Clockmakers’ Company Installation Court Reception and Dinner on 24th January 2023 in London where they will be presented with the prize.
The winner will receive a £100 tools voucher to use at HS Walsh and a £100 voucher to use for membership, courses, masterclasses or events organised by the Hand Engravers Association.
Read full details of the competition in our Clock and Watch Engraving Competition 22-23 How To Enter guide and register your entry online at
https://form.jotform.com/handengravers/clock-watch-engraving-competition
Questions? Please email info@handengravers.org.uk
THE HAND ENGRAVERS ASSOCIATION: BOARD VACANCIES
* NOW RECRUITING! *
Could you help shape the future of the Hand Engravers Association?
Are you proud of Britain’s hand engraving heritage?
Will you help a small organisation make a big difference?
At the AGM in June 2022 our current Chair, Tim Roberts, announced his intention to step down at the end of the year. Tim joined the Association as Honorary Treasurer, led us through the change into a CIO and also kindly took on the role of Chair in 2019.
We are therefore looking to recruit for two voluntary positions on the trustee board: Chair and Hon Treasurer.
Although previous experience of a similar role is desirable, both roles are supported by the part-time, freelance administrative staff, and training can be provided if desired. The essential requirements are leadership, drive and a passion for enabling heritage craft skills to be passed on to the next generation.
If you’d like to find out more please email info@handengravers.org.uk
MEMBERS’ EVENT: THE CLOCKWORKS MUSEUM AND WORKSHOP GUIDED TOUR
* FULLY BOOKED *
Members of the Hand Engravers Association are invited to join Dr James Nye for a special tour at 10.30am on Friday 14 October 2022.
Image: Interior of The Clockworks
This event has been organised as part of the Hand Engravers Association’s focus on clock and watch engraving this year and hopes to be the inspiration for some members to take part in the clock and watch engraving competition (deadline January 2023).
Dr James Nye will lead our group on a tour of this specialist collection in the morning, and resident conservators Johan ten Hoeve and James Harris will show guests the workshop and demonstrate cutting a gear wheel. For most guests the tour will finish at approximately 2pm after lunch BUT we have six places available for trainee or professional engraver members to stay on in the workshop and experiment with cutting dials. There will be a professional engraver on hand to give tips on cutting numerals and brass discs will be supplied by the Association.
The tour is limited to 15 guests and costs £20 (covering admin expenses and a donation to The Clockworks and the Hand Engravers Association). Guests must be members. Not a member? Join online in minutes at https://membermojo.co.uk/handengravers
The Tour is fully booked but please contact us to go on the waiting list.
MEMBERS’ EVENT: CLOCKMAKERS’ MUSEUM GUIDED TOUR
* FULLY BOOKED PLEASE CONTACT US FOR WAITING LIST *
Members of the Hand Engravers Association are invited to join the Clockmakers’ Museum Curator for a special tour at 4pm on Wednesday 20 September 2022. Free, but booking essential. Donations welcomed.
Image: Engraving detail from a clock dial by Samuel Knibb, Museum No.559
Anna Rolls, Curator, will take us on a guided tour of The Clockmakers’ Museum, a world-class collection of clocks, watches and items relating to the art of horology, on display at the Science Museum in London.
The Museum collection comprises around 1400 objects including more than 600 watches, 90 clocks, and 30 marine chronometers, along with sundials, tools and other pieces relating to the Clockmakers’ Company and the art of clock and watchmaking and hand engraving. The narrative of the Museum’s display focuses particularly on the development of clock- and watchmaking in London in the period between c.1600 and 1850. It includes pieces by many of the great London makers, including John Fromanteel, Edward East, Daniel Quare and Thomas Tompion. Part of the display also looks at contemporary British clock and watchmaking and includes a number of pieces by the eminent watchmaker Dr George Daniels. And, of course, the Museum is home to the Hand Engravers Association’s collection of engraved paperweights by contemporary hand engravers.
The tour will highlight engraved pieces and will provide inspiration for those entering the Clock and Watch Engraving Competition, as well as a fascinating insight into the history of clockmaking in Britain.
Book online at: https://clockmakerstour.eventbrite.co.uk
HAND ENGRAVERS ASSOCIATION AND BADDELEY BROTHERS ANNOUCE THE GREETING CARD DESIGN COMPETITION 2022
* OPEN FOR ENTRIES! *
We are so excited to launch our national greetings card design competition again. For the second year running, professional, trainee or enthusiast members of the Hand Engravers Association* based in Britain will get the chance to have their design professionally printed.
The design should be based on a winter, festive or new year theme and entered before 2 September. They can be submitted either electronically or on wrong-reading copperplate.
Entries will be judged by the Directors at Baddeley Brothers and the Director of the Hand Engravers Association.
Once chosen the winning design will be printed using the traditional die-stamping process. The winner will be invited to visit the workshops at Baddeley Brothers in London and see the card being produced.
The winner will receive 100 cards printed from their design and a £100 voucher to use for courses, masterclasses or events organised by the Hand Engravers Association.
For full details of the competition and helpful hints please read our Greeting Card Competition 2022 How To Enter info.
Enter online at: https://form.jotform.com/handengravers/card-competition-2022
HAND ENGRAVERS ASSOCIATION AGM, TALK and ENGRAVING DISPLAY 22 JUNE 2022
FREE * BOOKING ESSENTIAL * ALL WELCOME
Please join us at the Royal Academy of Arts for the AGM and annual lecture of the Hand Engravers Association. All members and guests welcome.
This will be a great opportunity to see demonstrations of engraving by a professional hand engraver, view exquisite examples of engraved dials, pocket watches and an English carriage clock and network with other members of the Association. Not a member? Don’t worry all are welcome and you do not need to be a member (or with a member) to attend.
The short AGM meeting will be followed by the highlight of the evening – a talk from the renowned Dr Tessa Murdoch FSA on “Huguenots, Horology and Engravers in London 1680-1760”.
Dr Tessa Murdoch worked at the Museum of London 1981-1990 and at the V&A 1990-2021. Recent and forthcoming publications are Europe Divided: Huguenot Refugee Art and Culture (V&A, 2021) and as consultant Great Irish Households: Inventories from the long eighteenth century (John Adamson, Spring 2022). For Bloomsbury, she is co-editing with Dr Heike Zech A Cultural History of Craft in the Age of Enlightenment for publication 2024. Tessa advises the National Trust and the National Heritage Memorial Fund, is a Board Member of the Idlewild Trust, and Chair of Trustees of the Huguenot Museum.
After the talk there will be more time to view the pop-up displays of finely engraved dials and watches, the copperplate engravings (plates and prints) and a rare opportunity to see a collection of engraved punches and stakes made by a hand engraver.
This event is FREE to attend, but as a small non-profit organisation (Registered Charity 1175879) we really appreciate any donations and hope that guests might ‘pay what they can afford’. Funds raised by the Association are ploughed into promoting and supporting hand engraving, particularly supporting the next generation of skilled engravers to come through.
Places must be booked in advance via the Eventbrite page, you are encouraged to bring friends, family and colleagues but please include their names on your booking or book each individually.
See you there!
Booking link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/annual-talk-agm-huguenots-horology-engravers-by-dr-tessa-murdoch-fsa-tickets-352795790707
WE’RE RECRUITING!
The Hand Engravers Association of Great Britain is seeking trustees for its Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Trustees work, aided by the Association’s part-time Manager and Assistant Manager, to support the organisation’s objectives to advance, maintain and develop the heritage craft of Hand Engraving.
We are looking for passionate, committed people to join our friendly team who have a little time each month to work actively on behalf of the Association. Dependent on your skillset, we would encourage participation in our Exhibitions, Training, Archive, Fundraising or Website sub-committees. A keen interest in hand engraving is, of course, essential and that could be from an engraving professional, allied trade such as jewellery, clockmaking or silverware, amateur, student, collector, academic or simply enthusiast perspective. All trustees act as ambassadors for the Association.
Trustees must be resident in Britain and aged over 18 years, and we welcome expressions of interest from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, candidates of all genders and disabled candidates.
There are two vacancies available at present. The first, we would like filled by someone working as a professional engraver, or employed by an engraving company. The second, could also be an engraver or we are specifically keen to recruit trustees that could contribute their knowledge and experience, or simply their time (whilst gaining the relevant skills supported by Association staff), in the following areas:
• Philanthropy Management
• Training and Apprenticeships
• Exhibitions Organisation
• Social Media
• Websites
Express your interest by 13 December 2021, more information and details on how to apply are in the full advert below. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Become a Trustee of the Hand Engravers Association Nov-Dec 2021
WINNER ANNOUNCED, CARD COMPETITION 2021
The Hand Engravers Association and Baddeley Brothers Ltd announce the Winner of the Hand Engraved Card Competition 2021.
Working together for the first time, we are proud to declare the winner of our inaugural greeting card competition.
A skill so rare that there was recently only a handful of craftsmen left, has been given a boost by workshops and competitions that have brought the ancient craft of copperplate engraving back into the limelight. And now with support from a specialist printer, one such competition winner will see his engraving of Santa Claus go into production as Christmas Cards.
Andy Beavan-Smith’s work caught our eye in the recent contest, and depicts Santa in his workshop, ironically carving a copper plate.
Finding skilled craftspeople is not easy, which is why Baddeley Brothers supports the Hand Engravers Association, a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting the ancient craft skill of hand engraving.
Both organisations are keen to keep alive the skill of copperplate printing. Sally Dodson, our Association Manager explained that “Copperplate engraving is a niche skill; a specialism within a specialism! Three years ago, we only knew of one or two professional engravers actively copperplate engraving. With thanks to the enthusiasm of silversmith and engraver Angus McFadyen and the support of the Goldsmiths’ Centre, we were able to organise copperplate engraving workshops. This brought us to the attention of Baddeley Brothers and it was not long before we realised our shared passion for supporting heritage crafts and the competition idea began to take shape.”
Copperplate printing also known as engraved printing uses a polished copper plate on which a design has been etched or engraved. The fine handwriting that is associated with 18th and 19th century copperplate engravings is often referred to as copperplate. Engraving is the “pre-press” part of the process, the engraved plate, or die, is then placed in the die-stamping press.
Dating from the 16th century, copperplate printing or engraving still creates an image of elegance and distinction and it allows designers to create a higher quality of printed materials than etching or laser cutting might achieve. The craftsmen at Baddeley Brothers have been practising the art of this type of printing since the early 19th Century.
To create a copperplate print, the image to be reproduced is first engraved onto a copper plate. Nowadays this is often achieved through computer typesetting, but for the highest standards of print, hand engraving is still employed to capture fine detail and nuances of a design. The plate is then inked and stamped against a sheet of paper at pressures of up to two tons per square inch, causing the image to be transferred to the paper stock.
The extreme force used in the copperplate printing process presses the paper deep into the engraved areas of the printing plate, creating an impression on the paper surface. It is this impression that imparts the finished image with its unique, three-dimensional character and tremendous tactile appeal. In addition, because copperplate printing inks are opaque, they produce crisp, well defined images in colours that are exceptionally clear and true. Their opacity also allows the engraving of light-coloured images on darker paper stocks.
Engravers that specialise in copperplate engraving are extremely scarce. Baddeley Brothers and the Hand Engravers Association introduced the greeting card competition to inspire more engravers to try copperplate engraving and the results have been . . . extremely encouraging! The winner was selected by the Directors of Baddeley Brothers and announced at the Association’s Festival of Engraving, on Sunday 12 September 2021. It was difficult to choose just one winner and Special Commendations went to Anna Olafsson and Sheila McDonald for their unique, beautiful and stylish interpretations of the design brief.
Runner-up engraver and printmaker Anna Olafsson explained that: “I was inspired by Bernini’s wind rose design in St Peter’s Square, medieval images of trumpeting heralds and Aubrey Beardsley’s black and white designs. I used these inspirations to create an image of a musician/herald blowing the winds and stars from trumpets to mark the New Year.”
Runner-up jeweller, enameller and engraver Sheila McDonald explained: “I love drawing flowers and plants. Poinsettia is synonymous with the Festive season. With engraving, I love the idea that the prints can be hand coloured, as I did with prints taken from the plate I engraved with an Alstroemeria design.”
The winner, engraver Andy Beaven-Smith, described his design process: “When I was thinking of ideas for the greeting card competition, I wanted to choose a design that engravers and associated trades would appreciate along with non-engravers. Santa’s workshop was a design I thought would show the fine detail that is achievable by printing from an engraved copper plate. So why not have Santa engraving in his workshop? I drew a sketch on paper for layout and prospective purposes then transferred the design and hand cut it into the copper plate. I am quite happy with the end result and after attending the Association’s copper plate printing workshops in Manchester believe this will print nicely to show the fine details.”
Andy will visit the Baddeley Brothers workshop late October to see the card go into print production.
Engraved copper printing plate, Andy Beaven-Smith 2021
“Andy’s work really appealed to us, it was fun, topical and because he’s skilfully engraved the plate in reverse it was ready to go on press straight away” commented Baddeley Brothers director Charles Pertwee.
Watch this space for photos of the production process and details of where you can buy the hand engraved cards this November!
SEE YOUR DESIGN IN PRINT, CARD COMPETITION 2021
** STOP PRESS! DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 6pm SATURDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2021 **
We are thrilled to announce an exciting new greeting card design competition in partnership with one of our Corporate Members, Baddeley Brothers. ALL members can enter, you don’t have to be an engraver!
The winner will have the opportunity to see their design transferred to an engraved plate and die-stamped on the traditional printing presses in Baddeley Brothers’ London workshop. They will receive 100 copies of their printed greeting card and a £100 voucher to put towards a beginner or masterclass course with the Hand Engravers Association.
It is simple to submit your entry, you just need to take a photo or scan your design and upload to the website link below.
Entries can be engraved or drawn and the winner will be announced at the Festival of Hand Engraving on Sunday 12 September 2021.
Competition Details and How to Enter
FESTIVAL OF ENGRAVING, 11-12 SEPTEMBER 2021
A unique get-together for Hand Engravers Association members and invited VIP guests to experience hand engraving and allied craft skills. Members will have been sent an email with the booking link. If you have not received it, please email info@handengravers.org.uk
About this event
Join us in Kent for our annual get-together – this year with a difference. We have organised taster sessions and demonstrations to enhance your knowledge, skills and enjoyment of hand engraving.
The festival takes place in the beautiful gardens of our Trustee and Founder, in a rural village close to Tonbridge, Kent. We hope that guests will join us for both days but can choose one or the other.
Saturday 11 September (9.15am-5pm)
The weekend begins with an activity day with pursuits chosen to appeal to professional engravers and engraving enthusiasts.
Network with student, amateur and professional engravers over tea and coffee before trying an activity.
Throughout the day, there will be a printing table set up for guests to make prints either from their own engraved copper plates or sample plates from the Association. This is part of our project to encourage more engravers into copperplate engraving, an initiative started in 2019 with the support of the Goldsmiths’ Centre. This is a drop-in style activity with no additional fee.
The highlights of the day are the scheduled calligraphy taster sessions with renowned calligrapher, Gaynor Goffe. Guests can book onto a three hour introduction to calligraphy with Gaynor, to get a glimpse into the feel of creating beautiful lettering. Choose either the morning session which will cover a copperplate style script or the afternoon session that will look at basic pen Roman capitals . There are 12 places available in total. The calligraphy sessions are optional and a booking fee applies. Please reserve your free place for Saturday and book and pay for the morning or afternoon calligraphy session.
A delicious buffet lunch will be served 1pm-2pm and the first day finishes with drinks with our kind hosts, Chris & Anna Rowley at 5pm.
Sunday 12 September (10am-5pm)
In the morning, join us “in conversation with” the award-winning and industry respected master gun engraver Ken Hunt. A unique opportunity for an insight into a fascinating career and niche craft skill.
A buffet lunch is provided by our hosts, and an opportunity to explore the beautiful grounds including the Italian Garden and perhaps try your hand at a spot of croquet on the lawn.
Following lunch, we invite you to watch a live demonstration – in the increasingly popular (but little taught) specialism of seal engraving.
The weekend rounds off with a prizegiving and drinks at 5pm.
Members will have been sent an email with the booking link. If you have not received it, or have joined today, please email info@handengravers.org.uk
A REFLECTION ON DUNCAN BAIRD-MURRAY’S RETIREMENT BY ALAN CRAXFORD
Duncan Baird-Murray retires after 30 years at Guill and Stephenson hand engravers. Alan Craxford reflects on the value of trade engravers in an article here.
A PERSONAL COMMENT ON GOLDSMITHS’ FAIR 2020 by ALAN CRAXFORD
“We live in strange times” is a commonly heard remark, for we are in a period where things are not what they were. Goldsmiths Fair 2020 is a case in point, with limitations placed on life by Government decree in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Is it really possible for any designer / maker to try to sell / show a ring, bracelet or neck-piece at 2 metres social distance? Answers on a postcard!
The Goldsmiths Company therefore took the rather brave decision to experiment with replacing an actual event with a virtual one, thus moving from the splendour of the Hall to the illuminated screens of our computers, mobiles and tablets.
This shift did require a huge amount of work in a short time, considering it was all from a standing start. My personal view is that Harriet and her team carried it off with some style. The look and the feel of the site being elegantly modern, made it easy to see the images one wanted. The two separate weeks were joined which made for an equal representation for both weeks. I felt the printed catalogue was by far the best yet. I have been known to complain about the photographs taken of my work which is notoriously difficult, but not this time, a great job.
There is a downside however to all this: simply 130 makers’ work is a lot to look at and take in, even in the comfort of your own home. Especially if, like me, you are into the afternoon cakes. It is one of the great indulgences of The Fair. Unless you happen to have a Patisserie handy, and most of us don’t. You could, though, make as many visits to the Fair as you wished.
Financially, one does have to say that, although there was huge interest in the event and large numbers globally “Came to the Ball”, sales were rather thin on the ground. If this had not been a virtual event sales may have been a little better, but given the closure of so much cultural activity, bars, clubs and restaurants – if you bought new jewellery there is nowhere to show it off..
GOLDSMITHS’ CRAFT AND DESIGN COUNCIL AWARDS 2019
We are delighted to announce that at the Goldsmiths Craft and Design Council Awards in February, Louise Sorrell of Sam James Ltd (pictured below) made a clean sweep, winning three awards. First she was awarded the Gold Award Junior in the Engravers, Die Sinkers and Seal Engravers section for her stunning masterpiece vase. Then Louise outshone the competition to win the Junior Award (which is chosen from the gold award junior winners across all sections).
Finally Louise and her master, Sam Marsden, were awarded the prestigious Theo Fennell Apprentice/Master award.
We would like to congratulate Louise on an exceptionally beautiful, wonderfully designed and skilled engraved piece. Her trio of awards was truly deserved!
We would also like to congratulate Megan Rigby, apprentice at Rebus Signet Rings, who entered for the first time and was awarded the Bronze Award Junior.
The International hand engraving symposium, scotland
On behalf of the Hand Engravers Association, Malcolm Appleby generously hosted the International Hand Engraving Symposium at his workshop in Grandtully, Scotland, August 2017. One of the attendees, engraver and silversmith Miriam Hanid, recorded this unique event. Thanks to the support of the Goldsmiths’ Company and the Incorporation of Goldsmiths, we were able to edit and share the footage.
Cut in Clerkenwell
In 2012 the Hand Engravers Association of Great Britain was awarded a grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund to run a major hand engraving event as the first part of a larger archival project. The inaugural ‘Cut in Clerkenwell’ in 2012 was so successful that a further event was held in 2015.
2012
‘Cut in Clerkenwell’ at Craft Central, London
This was a two-week celebration of hand engraving with talks, workshops, demonstrations and an exhibition of the first Paperweights Collection created by members. Over a hundred people participated in the workshops including crafts professionals, students and the general public. Many more dropped in to chat to hand engravers and enjoy the exhibition of members’ work which demonstrated the wide variety and skill of British contemporary hand engraving.
Griselda Bear was the Project Manager working with most members of the Association and a large team of volunteers. The project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Craft Central, The Goldsmiths’ Company, The Clockmakers’ Company and the Ernest Cook Trust.
2015
‘Cut in Clerkenwell’ at Craft Central, London
Following the huge success of ‘Cut in Clerkenwell’ 2012 a second, week-long event was hosted in 2015 with the generous support of The Goldsmiths’ Company and Craft Central. This comprised an exhibition, demonstrations and taster workshops of hand engraving. There was also a trade consultation ‘Training the Trainers’ to assess the needs of the industry and discuss how to move forward.