Since Geoffrey Parker founded his eponymous company producing miniature leather-bound books in 1958, a lot has changed. Today Geoffrey Parker supplies beautiful, handcrafted leather board games to some of the world’s most prestigious homes, hotels, yachts, jets and businesses. Geoffrey’s grandson, Elliot Parker, now runs the company, following on from his father Max, and keeping Geoffrey’s legacy of luxury alive. Elliot has an unwavering dedication to the traditional techniques that go into creating high-quality products, and his commitment to craftsmanship still lies at the heart of the company’s ethos.
During the last few years Geoffrey Parker has gone from strength to strength. The new workshops were opened by HRH Princess Anne, and these have provided an opportunity to expand the team. Recruiting new talent has enabled the company to hand down traditional skills to the next generation, keeping the industry and craft alive. It can take between five and seven years to train an apprentice, and requires passion, talent and patience on the part of the apprentice to reach the exacting standard necessary to become a master craftsperson. The company’s clients include Harrods, Aspinal of London, David Linley, The Connaught, Annabel’s, Downing Street and The Royal Mint, while individual commissions range from royalty and presidents to Hollywood A-list actors, rock stars, sports champions and novelists. The calibre of customer means that nothing short of perfection is expected from a Geoffrey Parker master craftsman.
Brexit provided the opportunity for the company to reduce its carbon footprint and support British manufacturing and local businesses by using British suppliers and manufacturers where possible, and 90 per cent of its supply chain is now UK-based.
Alongside all the internal changes at Geoffrey Parker, it has been an exciting year. Some of its products were featured on the television series Atlanta and the company produced a limited edition of James Bond backgammon sets for the 007 Store before the launch of the latest film No Time to Die.
Geoffrey Parker is world-renowned for creating the most luxurious and valuable board games, some of which feature diamonds, and precious metals. Because the games are handmade, personalisation is available to every customer, making every Geoffrey Parker game truly special. Whether you’re commissioning a custom Poker case or Backgammon board as a gift, designing a coffee table containing a roulette wheel or a chess set for a man cave, the team at Geoffrey Parker will ensure it’s an unforgettable experience. Each commission comes with an invitation to the workshops to meet the craftsperson making your board and see the process first-hand. It also offers the opportunity to choose your colours and personalisation, including handwritten notes embossed in the leather or simply your initials.
To end the year on a high, the team launched a range of Backgammon boards in bridle hide, rich in character and charm, and ideal for settling down to with an old friend and a glass of whiskey by a fire. The new range is designed to develop depth and personality as it ages, like a fine wine. The more it’s loved and played, the more charm it develops. These boards are heirlooms, to be passed down the generations.
