Dear Sir,

It was lovely to see the article on Lawson Mapp in today’s paper in the Lifestyle section (Royal Gazette, September 4, 2018). I have known Mr Mapp for many years, as my father served as Bishop’s warden alongside him at the Anglican cathedral.

There is one correction I wish to highlight.

It states “He thinks he’s the only sign painter on the island who still works entirely by hand.”

I am the owner of Bermuda Clayworks and we have been in business for more than 20 years, with our main product being customised ceramic signs. These are not only hand-painted but the ceramic oval or customised shapes I also make by hand at our studio in Dockyard.

I have a decorator who assists with painting and we do all of our lettering and artwork freehand: ruler-measured — no stencils — pencil, underglazes and paintbrushes.

Just like Mr Mapp, the skills required take years to hone. Bermuda Clayworks has done signage for numerous hotels such as Cambridge Beaches and Grotto Bay, and many homes, businesses, farms and restaurants in Bermuda and internationally.

Images can be seen on the Bermuda Clayworks’ Facebook page.

I am surprised that Jessie Moniz Hardy would have included Mr Mapp’s incorrect statement in her article, as her sister-in-law worked as an artist and assistant for me for many years and Jessie has even written articles on us.

Ironically, the sign Mr Mapp is holding up is for a business owned by another ceramic artist friend, who also works with me at the studio.

Once again, this letter in not intended to detract from Mr Mapp’s significant contribution to the community but I would be doing a disservice to my business and my assistant decorator had I not shared the correct information regarding professional handcraft, signage artisans in Bermuda.

SUNDÉE FAULKNER