Wayne Parrott – hand engraver

Winner of the 2012 Marsh Heritage Crafts Trainer Award

Wayne studied engraving at evening courses when he was 14 and then at the John Cass at 18, gaining a diploma. He was then taught by Turner and Cavanagh and worked alongside Eric Gill, before going on to study heraldry. Wayne then completed a course in glass, stone and plaster engraving in Germany with Professor Luft. Returning to England, he started teaching at the John Cass, where he remained for 38 years.

Wayne is a trained assessor, and was in charge of the City and Guilds of London exams for Silversmithing and Allied Crafts. Wayne had taught day release, pre-apprentices, full-time and part time City and Guild Students, National Diploma and Higher National Diploma students. He has an MA in Applied Art and Visual Culture, is a Freeman of the City of London, The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and is a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths.

Wayne is regularly active in giving demonstrations and lectures to the Horological Society. Concurrently, Wayne has always been active in his studio, and has had commissions for the Duke of Edinburgh and the late Queen Mother. He engraved a clock dial for the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, which was auctioned to raise money for apprenticeships and has works on display at Westminster Abbey, St Pauls Cathedral, Goldsmiths’ Hall, the Barbican Library. He is also regular judge for the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council Awards.

Wayne runs regular short courses at West Dean College, West Sussex. He also runs evening courses through the Hand Engravers Association in London and occasional one – three day courses at the same location. These are all for beginner to intermediate level students, although can also be useful to more advanced craftspeople to keep up to date with their craft. Wayne also gives private tuition in his own workshop.