THE HERALDIC CRAFTSMAN: Select Articles for Armorists Hardcover – February 20, 2026

From the Foreword by Stephen Friar, author of Basic Heraldry and A Dictionary of Heraldry:The Society of Heraldic Arts was borne of a passion which led me to bring together a number of like-minded friends and associates who felt a need for a modern-day “guild” of heraldic craftspeople to meet, discuss and promote all matters relating to their trade. What followed thereafter was the production of a newsletter (and later a journal) that chronicled, not merely the history of heraldry as had been recounted in numerous previous publications, but matters related more specifically to the CRAFT of the heraldic arts. Thus, The Heraldic Craftsman came into being.To quote my late friend the pre-eminent armorist and artist Anthony Wood, FSHA, in his article “The Aims of the Society:”“We should be trying to raise both the standard and public awareness of heraldic art... and strive for the respect and dignity which professional heraldic artists should rightly enjoy, once and for all doing away with the perception that ‘anyone can do it.’”Tony’s words are at the very core of the establishment of a guild such as our Society — fostering and promoting highly talented heraldic craftspeople, sharing ideas and techniques.This book seeks to rectify that situation, allowing readers of all stripes an insight into the ancient and modern techniques, practices and materials employed by the world’s finest heraldic artists, albeit in a mere “snapshot” of the 100-issue run of our late-lamented journal.The raison d’etre for The Society of Heraldic Arts was, and is, “to create a vehicle for heraldic artists and craftsmen to exchange ideas and information, to advertise their work and channel enquiries leading to commissions, to offer an advisory service to public bodies and business, and to raise public awareness of the heraldic arts.”Through the decades numerous Craft Members contributed articles on a wide variety of heraldry and heraldry-related topics, to include calligraphy, illumination, and — most notably for this publication — insights into the actual CRAFT and techniques of the discipline.This current book reflects a difficult “cherry-picking” of such articles as would cover not only the historical aspects of heraldry (already covered ad nauseum in many other tomes), but most especially those that gave a “behind the scenes” look at how historical and contemporary heraldic and associated emblazonment and illumination is accomplished via a variety of tools, materials, and techniques.The Heraldic Craftsman had a sadly-abbreviated run, ending in the Summer of 2018 with its 100th issue. But, in those few decades, true gems of heraldic knowledge were imparted to the reader, covering topics ranging from the us of gold in emblazonment and illumination, Scottish crest badges, bookplate design, civic heraldry, styles of helm and mantling, enamel paints, calligraphy materials, parchment and vellum, brush care, and penultimately discussing the then-dawning art of digital heraldry (now in the norm, but at the time moderately “contentious”). And there was so much more — all penned by acknowledged internationally-recognized experts in their field(s) — as the reader will discover by merely perusing the table of contents of this book. Read more