Legacy of Craftsmanship in Die-Stamping
Founded in 1926, this esteemed firm has carved a niche in the realm of bespoke, high-quality stationery. Utilizing the precision of Waite and Saville die-stamping machines, it caters to a distinguished clientele across the UK. In recent years, the company has been under the stewardship of Perrott, who, alongside his graphic designer daughter working part-time, has managed to generate a turnover of £25,600 for the 2023/24 fiscal year, yielding a profit of £12,000.
The firm boasts an impressive array of equipment, including three Waite & Saville machines—one hand-fed and two auto-fed—as well as a two-colour AB Dick 9810 offset press with a T51 swing-away head, a single-colour AB Dick 375 with a T51 head, a Babs guillotine, a Therm-O-Type card slitter, and a Wahli free-standing envelope feeder. Perrott, who joined the firm in 1971, reflects on his long-standing collaboration with his father and acknowledges the shift in his role as he approaches full retirement age. With his daughter now a new mother, he recognizes that the time has come to pass the torch to a new generation.
“Beforehand, we would take every job on—but nowadays I just take on the work I need,” he explained, emphasizing a more selective approach to projects. Perrott is passionate about the unique qualities of die-stamping, stating, “You can’t beat the feel of die-stamping. You get such fine detail that you simply can’t get with letterpress or litho. If you get a four-colour job, like a crest, you can’t match it. It’s all engraved in another dimension, and that’s why it’s so expensive: you have to have such skill to produce this type of material.”
Fortuitously, Perrott maintains a strong rapport with an engraver and other die-stamping printers throughout the UK. As he prepares for retirement, he envisions dedicating more time to mentoring others in the industry, sharing his extensive knowledge of equipment and techniques.
“I just love the work: every job is different, and you learn with each one. Even after 50 years, you’re still learning,” he remarked, revealing a bittersweet sentiment about his impending retirement. The early mornings and long commutes have taken their toll, yet he remains committed to fostering the next generation of designers. “I’ll do talks—I’ve been to a few universities—and show young designers what is out there. If you don’t tell them, they simply won’t know that this kind of print exists.”
Perrott recounted a recent experience where he introduced graphic design students to the die-stamping machinery. “Their jaws fell to their chins—they just couldn’t believe there was still machinery like it,” he shared, highlighting the awe that such traditional techniques can inspire in modern designers.
“So if anyone needs any help with their machinery, I’ll try and help them,” he added. “I’d like to keep my fingers in the trade, but not have to worry about where my next job is coming from—or who I have to chase for money afterward.”
