28 April 2021
On Wednesday 28th April the Master hosted a Zoom call to present a grant of £3,000 to the Hand Engravers Association of Great Britain to support Anna Olafsson, a botanical painter and printmaker, to learn the art of hand engraving with one of the most original and highly skilled craftsmen working in Britain today, Dr Malcolm Appleby MBE.
Hand engraving constituted an integral part of clock and watch making up to the late 18th century and, whilst only recently revived in the 20th century, the artist/craftsmen involved in the trade today remain a rare breed, not helped, as Malcolm mentioned during the presentation, by the fact that "hand engraving is no longer taught in art schools."
The Master, recognising the need for the skill to be nurtured in order to support the mystery and art of clockmaking wished Anna all the very best with her training and invited Anna to share the results of that training with the Company in due course.
The cheque was received by Sally Dodson of the Hand Engravers Association, watched by Chris Rowley who is a Freeman of the Company and also the founder of the Hand Engravers Association.
