A heritage brushmaking company, A S Handover, is marking its 75th anniversary by becoming an employee-owned trust. Founded in post-war London in 1949, the company, known for its high-quality brushes and commitment to craftsmanship, is now run by its dedicated team with support from employee ownership expert Chris Maslin of Go EO.
Preserving Craftsmanship in the Modern Era
A S Handover’s transformation into an employee-owned trust underscores the company’s commitment to preserving the art of brushmaking. The team of 10, composed of experienced craftspeople, is passionate about keeping this endangered heritage craft relevant in today’s world. From their premises in Welwyn Garden City, they continue to produce hand-made brushes used in signwriting and other professions, alongside products such as gold leaf and paints.
Leadership Committed to Heritage
Charlotte Wormley-Healing, the company’s manager and a member of the board of trustees, expressed pride in the company’s offerings and its future. “We take immense pride in the services and products we provide, ranging from hand-crafted brushes to specialized items like gold leaf and paints,” she said. Brushmaking is a rare and valuable heritage craft, and our team is fully committed to preserving its place in British history Sharing our passion with customers daily is a privilege, and we are confident that our brand is now secure for the future.
A Legacy Rooted in History
A S Handover’s journey began in 1949 when Alan Handover, recognizing an acute need, started selling brushes from a small hayloft in Highgate Village, North London. At the time, brushmakers were considered essential workers, crucial to the economy during the post-war rebuilding efforts in bomb-damaged London. Over the years, the business expanded its offerings to cater to professional users, including graphic artists, poster writers, signwriters, animation studios, and advertising companies.
In the 1980s, the business found a new owner in Michael Venus, a neighbour’s son who was drawn to the opportunity. Michael ran the business for decades, and in a strategic move 20 years ago, he merged A S Handover with another long-standing brushmaking company, Masons.
Transition to Employee Ownership
When Michael Venus decided to step back, he offered his team the chance to shape the company’s future. Rachel Rudd, director and brushmaker, shared, “We chose an employee-owned trust structure, which aligned perfectly with our values. We are incredibly grateful to Michael for supporting us in this decision. We’ve established a new, modern company that embraces our rich heritage while looking forward to the future.”
Today, A S Handover is led by a board of trustees, including Chris Maslin of Go EO, who played a pivotal role in the transition. It has been a privilege to support this team as they embark on an exciting new chapter for their historic business, said Maslin. Their expertise and dedication to brushmaking are unparalleled, and their well-earned reputation for professionalism is a testament to their commitment.
A S Handover continues to create and sell hand-made brushes for a variety of disciplines, including fine art and make-up. Their prestigious client list includes the National Trust, Rolls Royce, Angel Interiors, and Henry van der Vijve. The company even holds a Royal Warrant, supplying products to members of the Royal household.
