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Today, one of the best; the Leon Mignon Gunsmithing School in Liege, is facing threats of closure or radical change which would not be welcome here in England and, if enacted, would cause shock waves throughout the British gun trade. Recent decrees about reform to the vocational and technical education sectors in Belgium appear to have over-looked the unique character of gun-smithing courses and the particular demands of the industry.
They are likely to lead to the closure of the school, at least for the short term, and preclude future enrolment of overseas nationals into the courses. The Leon Mignon School has been teaching gunmakers since 1897 and here at Westley Richards we have several key gunmakers who began their careers by enrolling on a course at Leon Mignon.
Apprenticeship in the gunmaking sector has a very high rate of attrition, with many withdrawing from the programme days, weeks, or months into it. We appreciate that it is a challenging and peculiar business and that it will not suit many people.
The beauty of taking on graduates from the Leon Mignon School and training them in our methods is knowing that they have acquired some skills and that they have already invested a great deal of time and effort in their quest to become best gunmakers. We are able to fast-track these graduates into our team and benefit from their enthusiasm, training and perspective.
We have been made aware of the threat to this valuable source of gunmaking talent and of a petition to ask the Belgian Government to re-think their position. We would encourage all those involved in gunmaking or appreciative of the need to replenish our gunmaking talent to sign the petition and help preserve this great school for future generations.
To sign the petition, please click here: https://www.change.org/leon-mignon
Discover more about the school by visiting: https://leonmignon.be/
Whether for the discerning collector or the avid sportsman, Westley Richards firearms represent the epitome of excellence in the world of bespoke gunmaking. Known for the droplock shotgun, over and under shotgun, double barrel rifle and bolt action rifle, the company has achieved an illustrious 200 year history of innovation, craftmanship and artistry. As part of our best gun build, clients can choose from three levels of gun engraving: the house scroll; signature game scenes; and exhibition grade masterpieces. All Westley Richards sporting arms are built at their factory in Birmingham, England. Discover more about the gunmaking journey at our custom rifles and bespoke guns pages.
