Handover

A.S. Handover: Finest Tools and Materials for Artists and Craftspeople

With a history spanning over 75 years, A.S. Handover is one of the UK’s finest manufacturers of professional quality brushes and fine art supplies.

From their workshops in Welwyn Garden City, Handover’s skilled artisans handcraft brushes for a wide range of artistic and decorative applications, continuing a proud tradition of British craftsmanship.

The story of A.S. Handover began in post-war London when Alan Handover recognised a growing demand for high quality brushes among decorators, signwriters, and graphic artists. Over the decades, the company expanded its offering, catering to specialist crafts such as gilding, theatrical make-up, scenic painting, and picture restoration. In 2002, the merger with Edward Mason Ltd, another historic British brushmaker, consolidated their shared legacy of artisanal brushmaking.

Handover brushes are trusted by professionals, including fine artists, gilders, pinstripers, marblers, and stained-glass artists. The brushes, crafted from both natural hairs like sable and bristle and advanced synthetic filaments, meet the needs of the most demanding projects.

In addition to their handcrafted brushes, A.S. Handover stocks an extensive selection of specialist supplies. These include gilding materials, such as genuine gold leaf in various carats and shades, silver leaf, and imitation metals. They also stock signwriting tools and decorating essentials.

Handover’s customer base includes renowned institutions including museums, film studios, stately homes, and even Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament.

In 2022, A.S. Handover transitioned to an Employee Owned Trust, reflecting their commitment to their skilled workforce and ensuring the company’s legacy endures. Now operating from a new warehouse near its historic brushmaking site, Handover continues to uphold the values of quality and craftsmanship that have defined its brand for generations.

Brushmaking is a fascinating tradition that has been practised for centuries. Craig Morton, one of the brushmakers at Handover, explains what goes into handcrafting an artist’s paint brush in ‘A Family Matter: Handcrafting Brushes’ on Jackson’s Art Blog.