THE ART OF GUNMAKING
THE ART OF GUNMAKING
T e gunmaking industry is one place where the largest names feature the fi nest craſt smanship
S
ome of the fi nest examples of gunmaking in the world today stem from Britain’s history,
with many traditional British names, such as Purdey, Boss & Co. and Holland & Holland still being made and manufactured in the country, by hand, to this day. One name which has gone from strength to
strength, while managing to maintain a fi ne balance between respect for tradition and the need to adapt to the contemporary, is William Evans. In 1883, William Evans fi rst opened its doors on Buckingham Palace Road, the marque’s namesake having learnt his craft in the workshops of famed gunsmiths, James Purdey & Sons and Holland & Holland and, with an eye on developing new business opportunities, Evans had the confi dence to go out on his own. Armed with adequate training from his previous
employers, Evans set himself apart in recognising a largely untapped market. Over his fi rst 13 years in business, Evans grew to national recognition by building an enviable client list, which featured ranking offi cers in the Guards Regiments who ordered sporting shotguns and rifl es before being posted throughout the Empire.
HEADER ELEMENT TBC By engaging with this
emerging clientele, business fl ourished. In addition to elite military personnel, he then looked to attracting the private member’s clubs and their clientele, such as White’s, Brooks and Boodle’s, which were located in the neighbourhood. The gunmaking trade,
like any other, is impacted by changes in the market stemming from the political and economic climate, through to lifestyle trends that eff ect the customer and their wants and needs. During World War One, the war offi ce was
The intricacies of gunmaking are rightly considered an artform at Longthorne
dominating the trade, as the mechanical actions for all fi rearms were reassigned by government decree and, once the war ended, a generation of the trade’s gunsmiths would pass on without the need to replace them. “This was the start of the decline in the numbers
of gunmakers in the UK,” explains William Evans’ general manager, Alastair Philips. “The economics
of the gun trade also changed because it became increasingly costly to work with the few craftsmen who were left. That has made it quite tough for UK businesses, even now. “Also, I don’t think shooting and hunting, as
activities, are the same as they were at the end of the Second World War. The economic decline and the state of rationing meant people had a need to hunt for food, and when it came to gun craft, use and reliability were of paramount importance. But the public’s attitude to food changed and a Cont nued on p20 ▶
TRADITION AND HERITAGE
GMK IS THE number one retailer of Beretta shotguns in the UK. These elegant and reliable guns have a long lineage stretching back to the 16th century. Beretta is the oldest active manufacturer of fi rearms in the world, supplying arquebus barrels to the Venetian fl eet at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571 and inventing the breech-loading cannon in 1650.
gmk.co.uk
FIELDSPORTS AGENTS OFFERING
BASED IN THE North of England, we have access to some of the fi nest sporting estates in the UK, so whether it is accommodating a full team of guns on a North Yorkshire moor or placing a single gun on a peg deep in the Welsh valleys, we will be able to fulfi l and exceed our client’s expectations. Our philosophy doesn’t just stop with
providing the fi nest sport. We also ensure that all our clients logistical and accommodation requirements are catered for to the very highest standards we’ve set ourselves.
If you are looking further afi eld, we also have
a wide range of sporting opportunities in Europe and South America. From the fi nest driven partridge in Spain to the most luxurious lodges in Argentina, we are able to off er our clients unique experiences that should be on the bucket list of any sportsmen and women. For more
information, 01913780229
amortonsporting.com please or 07720057236 or call visit:
CLIENTS THE VERY BEST EXPERIENCES At A Morton Sport ng we pride ourselves on off ering the fi nest quality, fully tailored sport ng services in the UK and overseas
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18 THE COUNTRYSIDE EXPERIENCE
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