“One of the first things people say when they see my work is, “Beautiful, what is it for” and to me this is a sad situation because they are referring to the ancient, noble science and art of Heraldry.

Heraldry was born in the 12^th Century as a means of quick identification either in battle or at a tournament. It is a defined and precise system that arranges objects on a shield in a certain manner using certain colours and metals.

We live in an increasingly uniform world but wear and use all kinds of brand logos in our everyday lives.  A coat of arms is a personal brand that can be used in all kinds of creative ways by members of a family and as an emblem it imbues a sense of identity for the family members. Because it can be handed on to future generations it can be classed as an heirloom.

Heraldry is controlled in some countries by heraldic authorities and citizens of those countries can apply for a coat of arms from these authorities but most countries now do not have such institutions and so if residents and citizens of those countries would like a coat of arms it falls to professionals like me to design and paint a coat of arms befitting them or members of their family. WARNING! There are unscrupulous companies that offer ‘Family Coats of Arms’ associated with a surname this is fraudulent and misleading. Because there is a coat of arms associated with your name does not give you the right to use it.  You must be a proven direct descendant of the original bearer to use any such armorial ensigns. Using someone else’s arms in Scotland is considered theft as a coat of arms is deemed property. Far better to have a new set of arms designed that is particular to who you are.

I always work very closely with the Patron and will ask many questions about specifics they might like included in the design. Favourite colours, references to schools and Universities, religious beliefs, ethnic origins and career are just some of the pointers I give the patron. Once they tell me their idea’s I then prepare pencil sketches and designs for their approval. Only once a design is agreed do I begin the process of painting.

I am one of a very few fully trained professionals working in this field today and the work is highly specialised. I use some techniques and materials that have not changed in nearly a thousand years. Calf skin vellum is carefully prepared and often stretched over wooden boards. Brilliant 23.5 carat gold leaf paint hand mixed to my own recipe is burnished using agate and hematite. I am aware that the coat of arms will become a very important emblem for the family and maybe for generations to come and so I ensure my work is meticulous in its detailing and production. The patron deserves nothing but the best. In that regard any potential patron should always ensure that the person designing their arms is a professional and should ask careful questions about where the person was trained and perhaps some testimonials from the artist’s other patrons.

Once a painting is completed I always send a photo to the patron to study and tell me if there is anything they are unhappy with and once they agree I will send the painting to them and advise them how and where the coat of arms can be used.

The painting I produce is designed to be decorative and framed and hung in a study or library but there are a variety of uses for a coat of arms. Flags and banners, engraved crystal glasses, china and dinner services, tapestries and cushions. Carved wooden coats of arms for wall hanging, paintings on larger canvases. Letterheading, signet rings and desk seals. I am able to offer a full range of heraldic accessories through an extensive network of highly shilled fellow craftsmen and women.

In the 21^st Century Heraldry is still a thriving living art form that is totally unique to a person and to have a coat of arms is to be a proud part of a long and continuing tradition of excellence and character”.

Andrew Stewart Jamieson

Andrew Stewart Jamieson is recognised as one of the world’s leading heraldic art specialists. Based in Scotland a land rich in history and culture he works to commission. In a professional career that has spanned over three decades he has worked as a calligrapher and illuminator for Her Majesty’s Crown Office and many other prestigious patrons, is author and illustrator of Coats of Arms published by Pitkin in 1997 and a holder of the Corel Prize for Artistic Excellence presented to him in 1996 in Ottawa, Canada.