A Tradition of Master Craftsmen

Master Craftsmen

Master Boatbuilder Mark Edwards MBE leads a team of traditional craftsmen excelling in traditional Thames Boatbuilding

• Mark Edwards, MBE
• The Craftsmen
• Apprentices
• Traditional Techniques

Mark Edwards, MBE: Master Boatbuilder

Mark was born of Cornish boatbuilding heritage and grown up around the sea and the River Thames. With over 30 years' experience of traditional boatbuilding and restoration, he embodies the time-honoured craft of the Master Boatbuilder. The range and breadth of his expertise is unrivalled, and he regularly features in nautical and specialist media. He regularly shares his expertise in talks and lectures - contact to discuss.

In 2015 Mark was awarded his MBE by HM The Queen for services to boatbuilding.

Apprentices

At Richmond Bridge Boathouses, we believe in the transformative effect dedication to a craft can have on young lives. We're proud to employ young workers of all backgrounds. Entering into a traditional industry, they follow in the footsteps of countless generations who have gone on to become master boatbuilders, carpenters and craftsmen.

Each new employee is carefully trained in both hand-working techniques and safe use of power tools, as well as health and safety and river working. All employees, even new starters, are paid a Living Wage.

Traditional Techniques

As you might expect from a centuries-old enterprise, we take our craft seriously. We pride ourself on our attention to detail, using traditional techniques and fabricating many parts by hand here in the workshop.

Feel free to look in as you take a stroll past our workshops at Richmond on a sunny day!