Disciplines

Brand Architecture
Look, Tone & Feel
Identity Design
Information Design
Copywriting

120 years of the finest English craftsmanship

London is the established centre for making the finest sporting shotguns in the world and Watson Bros, founded in 1885, is one of a handful of makers continuing to uphold the well-deserved reputation in the 21st century.

Recreating the trade label

London gunmakers are recognised by their trade labels which appear on the lid of the motor case which comes with every gun. The trade label contains a logotype brand identity as well as typically a complex arrangements of other elements, often accretions of medals and royal appointments over time. Manifest was asked to recreate the Victorian trade label which required substantial redrawing in the absence of the original artwork. Enhancements were made to the balance and proportion of the complex array of elements. The Bankside address of the company was also added in a recreation of the original typeface.

A tradition of excellence

Watson Bros guns are renowned for their distinctive style and elegance and in designing a brochure we were keen to use photography that captured this quality. The copy concentrates on Watson Bros’s innovations, particularly with its sleek round action guns, the imagery allows the eye to explore the incredibly fine hand-engraving to the locks.