At the invitation of the Lord Mayor, Professor Michael Mainelli, 18 Livery Companies mustered at Mansion House on the morning of the 11 March for the presentation of Master Certificates and City & Guilds Professional Recognition Awards. Initiated by the Plumbers’ Company in 2001 the ceremony has grown over the years necessitating its move to Mansion House and its recognition by the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs.
This annual event draws together some of the very best craft people from the City Livery community, and this is the first time the Gunmakers have attended the event.
Accordingly, the Gunmakers’ Certification Panel had proposed three candidates for the ceremony and the Master, Upper Warden, Chairman of the Panel, Bill Blacker, and Clerk were delighted to support and witness their presentations.
A very well done to Elleni, George and David and many congratulations on your official recognition, you have certainly raised the profile of the Livery and the critical work it does in recognising gunmakers at the various stages of their career, representing the wonderful work done in the British gun trade.
The citations listed in the official ceremony programme are shown below.
Elleni Faucher – Gunmaker Engraving.
Elleni has always had an interest in jewellery making having completed the Goldsmiths Foundation Programme in 2018, and after enjoying a week’s placement engraving copper plate signet patterns at Sam James Engraving Ltd. Elleni started her current career as an engraver with Holland & Holland, London, in September 2018.
In summing up, the Certification Panel made the following comments.
“The engraving work you presented were fine examples of craftmanship. Your passion for the trade and enthusiasm for gun engraving came across in volumes. Your ability to create and innovate were most impressive and the results were aesthetically beautiful. The Certification Panel were also impressed by your range of capability covering a variety of pattern work and life scenes.”
George W Hobbs – Gunmaker Bolt Rifles
After completing his ‘A’ Levels, George looked for a more practical ‘hands on’ apprenticeship rather than progressing to university. With a lifelong passion for gunmaking George started his apprenticeship in 2017 having received a Gunmakers Trust bursary. George is now a journeyman gunmaker working for Gallyon Gun & Rifle Makers actioning and finishing their range of English sporting shotguns.
In summing up, the Certification Panel made the following comments.
“The finish, fit, accuracy and form of your submitted work for panel review are fine examples of gunmaking craft skills. Your examination pieces and supporting portfolio demonstrates that you have reached the required standard to be credited as a gunmaker. Your passion for the craft and industry is commendable and we hope you progress as a journeyman improver and one day take on your own apprentice.”
Dave Josey (MAsR.G)- Master Gunmaker.
Dave started work at James Purdey & Sons in 1963 as an apprentice actioner and completed a six-year apprenticeship. He continued actioning until 1972 when he was transferred to the lock making department, and in 1973 to the Jobbing shop, finally settling in the stocking department in 1974 under Harold Delay & William Obrien, two very accomplished craftsmen.
In 1979 David left to set up his own business continuing to work Purdey until 2018. During his sixty-one years in the trade, David has worked for many famous gunmaker’s and still does to this day.
The highlight of his career was stocking guns for King Charles III and both his sons, and one of the Purdey bicentennial celebration guns.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time in the trade.” Dave Josey MAsR.G March 2024
