To be recognised for your craft is a very special achievement and elicits a reassuring confidence in the work that you do. Richard appeared in Country Living magazine a few years ago in a feature about Made by the Forge, which celebrated his and our company’s work in preserving age-old ironwork techniques. Today those techniques are brought to bear to produce contemporary pieces valued by the discerning customer (that’s you by the way). They say all publicity is good publicity. Richard popped up again in Country Living a few months ago and in this November’s issue, there he is again extolling the beauty and timelessness of handcrafted ironwork. But the craft of all artisans is something worth celebrating.

As our lives become more defined by what’s on our screens, real-world pieces take on more importance. It’s lovely that so many people are sharing our Instagram images but a handmade Portière rod curtain pole keeps a very real and cold wind out of your house. Its real-world worth is actually measurable not just dependent on ‘likes’ and ‘clicks’. ‘Likes’ and ‘clicks’ send out supportive messages but ordering with us gives you something palpable, physical and real to appreciate. Stay safe everyone.