Best Traditional Business
Philip Holder, Wellington Carriage Company, Telford,
Shropshire
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Philip Holder, who's been in the business for 40 years, is one
of the few wheelwrights left in England.
He makes wooden wheels for traditional horse drawn carriages, as
well as doing repair and restoration work. He also builds full
horse-drawn carriages.
Philip, a master wheelwright, only uses the best English ask,
oak and elm and many of his carriages are used by people at the top
of the driving world.
Inspired by an elderly wheelwright he knew as a boy, he's now
keen to pass on his knowledge and skills to the next generation and
has trained local apprentices.
He's been described as a "quiet, amazingly talented and
incredibly humble man who puts smiles on all his local customers
faces with his exquisite products".
The judges commented: "This is a jewel of traditional skill and
craftsmanship. Philip is keeping an age-old traditional craft alive
and making top quality carriages using traditional and, where
possible, local materials. This dedicated man deserves recognition
for creating a thriving business based on traditional
craftsmanship."
Commended
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