Since the Hand Engravers Association of Great Britain was founded in 2007 we have worked tirelessly to promote hand engraving, publicising the craft through trade shows and newsletters, liaising with industry bodies and growing our membership.
PUBLICISING THE CRAFT
- Regular demonstration stands at major industry events and game fairs throughout the UK, Ireland and Northern Ireland.
- Three documentary films commissioned and produced on different aspects of hand engraving.
- Extensive website with online Members’ Directory where individual engravers can promote their work.
- 10 newsletters a year sent to members and enthusiasts.
- Liaison with the retail jewellery trade mainly through the National Association of Jewellers.
- Lectures and published articles.
- Obtained Honour’s List recognition for two of our most respected members.
- Introduced Lifetime Achievement Awards for hand engravers.
- Annual awayday for all Association members at Chris Rowley’s home in Leigh, Kent.
LIAISON WITH OUTSIDE GROUPS AND BODIES
The Association has strong ties with the following industry organisations:
- The Goldsmiths’ Centre
- The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths
- The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers
- Contemporary British Silversmiths
- Association for Contemporary Jewellery
- Institute of Professional Goldsmiths
- National Association of Jewellers
In addition we are continually lobbying government, including at ministerial level, about the need for apprenticeship funding.
MEMBERSHIP
- The Association’s membership includes leading hand engravers from all areas of the craft, including trade, enamel, gun and art engravers, which means the Association has close contact with over 80 professional engravers, plus a further 40 engraving enthusiasts. Become a member today.
- In addition the Association has a mailing list of over 500 and a Facebook Page with over 1,000 followers.
WHAT NEXT?
Over the next few years The Hand Engravers Association of Great Britain is planning to:
- Continue to grow its member and associate numbers.
- Find more master engravers prepared to take on apprentices – particularly outside London.
- Build up a fund which can be accessed quickly to support potential apprentices.
- Support more training opportunities for beginners.
- Create a regular large income to cover administrative costs.
- Develop a Patrons Scheme to generate additional income.
- Liaise more with the retail trade.
- Develop online teaching resources covering a variety of types of engraving.
- Create more promotional activities for the general public.