THE LEDGER: YOUR MASTER SOURCING LIST
For deep-dive journals and photographic studies of UK-made icons, visit The Edit. Here in The Ledger you’ll find our ever-expanding directory of UK makers with details on their origins, products and more.
These are short-form entries - distilled intelligence on heritage, provenance and why these brands deserve a place in your collection. As our field research continues, we’ll produce full photographic reviews in The Edit.
HOLLAND and HOLLAND – Kensal Green, London
The Heritage: Founded in 1835, Holland & Holland is a name synonymous with the absolute pinnacle of UK gunmaking. While the company is now part of the Beretta Holding, its manufacturing remains fiercely domestic, operating from a specialist factory in West London where master gunsmiths spend hundreds of hours hand-crafting each individual piece.
The Verdict: This is extreme manufacturing. A single Holland & Holland shotgun or rifle can take up to two years to complete, involving traditional skills like action filing and stock carving that have remained unchanged since the Victorian era. From a sustainability perspective, these are infinite-life objects; they are designed to be used, maintained and passed down as heirlooms for centuries. Their material integrity is almost beyond reproach, utilising high-grade walnut and the finest British steel. By choosing a London-made Holland & Holland, you are directly supporting the preservation of some of the world's most endangered metal-finishing and woodworking skills.
Core Products: Bespoke 'Royal' side-by-side shotguns and sporting rifles.