Experience the fine work that Purdey craftsmen carry out up close and in person as James Purdey & Sons open their doors for London Craft Week this October.
“London Craft Week returns to the capital for its sixth edition from 30 September – 10 October 2020. Celebrating outstanding British and international creativity, this year the festival brings together over 250 established and emerging makers, designers, brands and galleries from around the world. Authenticity is at the heart of London Craft Week and the programme aims to attract a broad audience united in their appreciation of imagination, individuality, passion and skill. A curated programme of events across London allows visitors to create their own itinerary, meet the makers and gain access to exclusive exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops. London Craft Week reflects a global trend, with increasingly discerning visitors searching out objects of beauty and substance against a flowering of craftsmanship worldwide. It bridges iconic heritage and contemporary brands as well as independent makers and allows them to tell their stories. Each year, with the city as its backdrop, our week-long event shines a spotlight on artists and makers and celebrates a golden age of creative talent.”
As eGunroom is a shooting based website this article only focuses on the events that the gunmaker Purdey are putting on, however, click HERE to find out what other events are taking place during London Craft Week.
The following events are due to take place at Purdey’s famous home in Mayfair, Audley House:
Gun-Finishing Demonstration
October 01. 12.30-6.30pm.
Watch as Purdey craftsman, Tom Nicholls demonstrates our gun-finishing techniques and have a go at chequering on a piece of walnut. One of the most complex stages of a gun build, the two-part ‘finishing’ process takes around 75 craft hours, spread over a period of three months
Booking not necessary, free admission.
Demonstrations will be running throughout the day
Traditional Hand-Embossing Demonstration
October 02. 12.30pm – 6.30pm
October 06. 12.30pm – 6.30pm
Leather goods embosser and bookbinder, Bill Manley joins Purdey at Audley House to demonstrate traditional embossing techniques using authentic Victorian tools. Complimentary hand embossing will be offered on leather products purchased from Purdey.
The demonstration will run throughout the day.
Booking not necessary, free.
Engraving Demonstration
October 05. 12.30pm-6.30pm
A Purdey engraver demonstrates the techniques that go into sketching and engraving the intricate patterns and details on Purdey’s shotguns and rifles. All of the engraving work is done by hand and by eye, making this a unique and exacting discipline.
Demonstrations will run throughout the afternoon.
Booking not necessary, free.
Glass-Engraving Demonstration
October 10. 11.00am-2.30pm
Experienced glass engraver Karl Palmer has been working with Purdey for over 15 years. Karl hand engraves all of Purdey’s crystal tumblers, glasses and decanters. For this exquisite craft, he uses the finest Czech crystal glass and a copper wheel to transfer the designs. Join him at Audley House and see this incredible skill up close.
Demonstrations will take place throughout the day.
Booking not necessary, free.
