Step into the Purdey boutique at Audley House or run your hand along the barrel of one of our handcrafted guns, and you’ll sense it instantly: history is never far away. It weaves through every stitch, every engraving, every button and bolt. At Purdey, we don’t just make clothes, accessories, guns and rifles — we carry forward a legacy that began in 1814 and continues, vibrantly, today.
Much of that legacy lives in the stories told by the emblems and motifs that quietly mark our collections. Look closely, and you’ll find the past gently looping through the present — subtle, often intricate details that speak volumes about who we are and where we come from.
The Rose & Scroll
The Purdey Rose & Scroll is perhaps our most enduring symbol. Introduced in the 1870s, this botanical engraving has adorned nearly every gun we’ve made since. It’s elegant, complex, and distinctly ours — and like so many aspects of the brand, its roots lie in craft. The original design is widely attributed to James Lucas, one of Purdey’s longest-serving in-house engravers, who worked with us from 1855 to 1915. Under his skilled hands, the Rose & Scroll became more than decoration: it became a hallmark of quality, refinement, and Purdey’s unmistakable house style.
This season, the Rose & Scroll finds new expressions beyond the gunroom. It loops gracefully across a statement wool blanket, is engraved into a fine silver cuff, a round pewter flask, the handle of a folding knife, and is even copper-wheel etched into crystal glassware. Each iteration speaks to a different form of craftsmanship, but the motif remains unchanged — timeless, tactile, and true to its origins.
British Countryside Wildlife
Deeply rooted in the British countryside, Purdey has always looked to the natural world for inspiration. From the rustle of pheasants through autumn hedgerows to the quiet watchfulness of a barn owl at dusk, our designs reflect the animals that define our sporting heritage and ties to nature.
This season, birds and other wildlife are rendered in elegant detail on silk scarves, ties, and pocket squares. Grouse, hares, ducks, stags and owls all make appearances — woven, printed or stitched with meticulous embroidery. These motifs aren’t merely decorative. They serve as an ongoing homage to the environment, habitats and ethos of conservation that has long informed the shape and spirit of Purdey, both as a brand and as a way of life.
The Cartridge Reimagined
Among the more delightful recent discoveries in our archive was a sheet of early 20th-century cartridge wrapping paper — its vibrant patterns and intricate illustrations a window into Purdey’s design language from a different era.
Today, those cartridge motifs are enjoying a second life. Transformed into bright artworks, the designs now adorn a selection of 100% silk accessories — pocket squares, ties, and scarves — each piece offering a bold modern statement. Together, these accessories allow our heritage to shine.
Made To Last
In a world often focused on speed and disposability, Purdey takes a different path. We believe that true innovation lies not in novelty but in enduring relevance — in the ability to craft pieces that are as meaningful today as they were a century ago. Our emblems, from the Rose & Scroll to wildlife and cartridges, are not static museum curiosities. They are living parts of the brand, woven and worked into the pieces we create with care and intention.
For us, these details do more than decorate. They connect past to present, maker to wearer, and tradition to innovation. Whether in a silk tie, a silver flask, or the action of a new gun, they serve as quiet reminders of what Purdey stands for: craftsmanship without compromise, a reverence for nature, and a deep respect for legacy — not simply preserved, but reimagined for the generations to come.
