We are excited to announce the latest milestone in our innovative and storied history – the introduction of colour to our ‘Royal’ portfolio of shotguns and double rifles.

We are often delighted by the stories our clients choose to depict in their engravings. From scenes of mythical creatures to elegant alfresco picnics, portraits of loved ones (often with four paws) to personal, memorable hunting scenes, artworks are limited only by imagination. Until now, we have successfully used precious metal inlays and gemstones to add tonal variation to these bespoke narrative canvases.

Our journey into the realm of colour began with a visionary client, whose desire to portray a rainforest on her bespoke shotgun led us to explore how we can add vibrancy to our already fabled engravings. Importantly, we needed to ensure that illustrations could be accurate and detailed, but also that they would be suitably durable for life in the field.

Standard practice dictates that gun makers turn to enamel for colouration, however, our artisans found this to be limiting as it only permits crude blocks of colour. We explored more innovative routes to fulfil this client’s request – could we offer colour, surpassing the industry standard to incorporate shading and blending too? Indeed, we could.

We continually observe fellow makers in the luxury goods industry for trends and innovations that can help us further our art. In this case, it was jewellery and watchmaking that inspired us. A complex technique using a medical-grade resin compound, infused with organic colour pigments, provided a solution that was up to the mark.

Following arduous testing and refinement, we have proudly produced an extraordinarily beautiful and colourful shotgun. On one side, a red, green and yellow parrot sits confidently, commanding attention, kept company by a smaller but no less detailed blue parrot. On the other, a scarlet coiled snake lurks, nestled among leaves. Each scene is enhanced further by curious insects and tropical fauna – beetles, birds, butterflies and tree frogs – each finely detailed and each of a quality unseen in the gunmaking world.  Those of a more observant nature may even spot the amphibious eyes, the two [hinged bolts] which are cleverly and playfully disguised to morph into the intriguing scene.

At Holland & Holland, we have always believed in pushing boundaries while honouring our heritage. The inclusion of colour is a bold step forward, one which stays true to our commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and excellence. This historical creation has exceeded even our high expectations, so much so, that we are excited to adopt the technique permanently, opening a world of possibilities for clients of our ‘Royal’ portfolio. From our Gunrooms in London St. James’s and Dallas, Texas, as well as the tranquil Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds in Northwood, clients can commission bespoke works of art that speak to their passions and personal stories, in brilliant and vivid colour. A specific colour reference can even be provided for our experts to match.

Now, excuse me while I search for the pantone reference for my trusty Welsh Springer Spaniel…