ENCOURAGING EXCELLENCE, UNDERSTANDING, AND APPRECIATION OF THE HERALDIC ARTS
EST MCMLXXXVII
The Society of Heraldic Arts was established in 1987 as an organisation for trained and skilled Heraldic artists who have endeavoured to reach the highest level of craftsmanship.
Today, the Society is comprised of some of the world’s leading craftspeople within the Heraldic Arts.
The Society now acts as one of the safest places to browse all Heraldic artists who have reached “Craft Membership” within one website, making it easier for potential clients to commission individual craftspeople, in knowledge that these artisans are skilled, trained, and who maintain a level of professionalism required to create such heraldic art.
Many of the artists within the Society work full time within their chosen field and continue to push the boundaries of their craft.
We were delighted to have had some of the world’s best Heraldic Artists over the many years who encouraged and inspired present and future artists. Sadly, some are no longer with us, but their work continues and can be seen here: IN MEMORIAM.
By having so many of today’s leading Heraldic craftspeople within one Society, we can continue to maintain the standards required and to continue to promote the work of all our Craft Members.
REVIEW CRAFT MEMBERS
Potential clients are encouraged to browse Craft Members
In order to maintain and to continue this ancient craft for future generations, it is vital that each Craftsperson (working within their medium) ensures that they have produced their craft to the highest standards in order to be accepted as an elected Craft Member.
BECOME A MEMBER
Apply to be a Craft Member or to support the Society
Any Artist or Craftsperson whose work includes a substantial body of heraldry is eligible to apply for Craft Membership. An applicant whose work is deemed to be of a sufficiently high standard is then invited to become a Craft Member of the Society.
TO ALL CRAFT MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY OF HERALDIC ARTS
Dear Craft Members:
The Society of Heraldic Arts was founded to serve the interests of distinguished heraldic artists and craftspeople.
To this end, the Society’s Constitution requires that applications for Craft Membership should be assessed by an Appointments Board comprising four preeminent Craft Members of the Society, those in whose judgment both applicants and Craft Members may have absolute confidence.
Perhaps the most valuable service the Society has to offer its membership is the website: described by some as “a shop window” for Craft Members. If standards are to be maintained it is essential that only those who have been formally admitted as Craft Members by the Appointments Board should be represented on the Society’s website.
Of course, like all societies, we need to attract new members and it is incumbent on all of us to persuade those fellow artists and craftspeople who have not joined us to apply for Craft Membership. Of course, their work must be of a very high standard but the rewards of a successful application can be considerable.
Very best wishes to you all,
Stephen Friar, MPhil, FHS, FSHA, President and Founder Member of the Society of Heraldic Arts