Ian Sweetman is an acclaimed gunmaker and award-winning finisher, having been working in the gun trade since he was 15 years old. His career started at Atkin Grant & Lang Gunmakers, where he worked as an apprentice, undertaking repairs and restoring heritage English guns. Ian felt that he wanted to take the next step and further his knowledge of the craft, and progressed to a position at Westley Richards & Co., learning how to build bolt action rifles. With an already impressive Gunmaking CV, Ian was not ready to stop learning and made the decision to move companies and cities to work for one of London’s most prestigious gunmakers, James Purdey & Son Ltd. Ian completed a second apprenticeship in finishing whilst with James Purdey and gained his papers from the London Proof House. He was then presented with a McMillan Award for Excellence in Gunmaking for his outstanding work on a 20-bore Purdey.
After five years at James Purdey, Ian took another step in his career and was promoted to Bolt Action Rifle Leader, where he managed the team who developed and produced a new Purdey bolt action rifle. This rifle was a huge accomplishment for Ian and James Purdey, with positive feedback from some of the harshest critics in the trade and proven success in the field. It has been quoted as “the most accurate best London bolt action rifle ever produced”.
Ian now runs his own gunmaking company, specialising in finishing and rifle work, but also covering all areas of repairs, servicing, alterations, restorations and new builds. Ian’s vast experience working within this industry has enabled him to build a wealth of knowledge and hands on skills, allowing I.S Sweetman Gun & Rifle Makers to produce the highest standard of work over a range of different projects.
We asked Ian why he wished to become a mentor for the GCCT?
Ian said, “I decided to become a mentor for the GCCT as a way of giving back to the gun trade. I have been very fortunate throughout my career as a gunmaker to have been given training and advice from some of the very best craftsmen. This advice is a rare thing. I believe passionately that we have a legacy to continue, gifted to us by the gunmakers of the past who have dedicated their lives to the craft. Having served two full apprenticeships in different areas of gunmaking, I have first-hand experience of the trials and tribulations that come with pursuing a career within this industry. My goal is to use this experience to help mentor the next generation of gunmakers.”
All our mentors are passionate about the many dimensions of the art of gunmaking. If you feel you might have the skills, time and passion to become a mentor for the Gunmakers Trust, would love to hear from you. In the first instance, please contact us at info@gunmakerstrust.org or the Clerk of the Gunmakers Company at clerk@gunmakers.org.uk with a short bio and why you feel you might be a suitable mentor.
