Inside the London workshop that made Hundred, FA Cup and World Cup trophies
Ahead of the Hundred final Matt Hardy spoke to the makers of the trophy, Thomas Lyte, who now hold a royal warrant Sports may vary in rules, squad sizes, scoring systems and the rest of it but something remains a constant across each and every discipline thousands of us pay our hard-earned cash to watch: [...]
Behind the scenes of trophy-making, a hidden workshop in Hainault, London, houses Thomas Lyte, a royal warrant holder specializing in crafting prestigious sports trophies. The workshop, established in 2007, is known for the 2014 FA Cup remake, which must be recreated periodically due to wear and tear. Despite its young age, Thomas Lyte has become the go-to silversmiths and goldsmiths for royalty, including the King.
The company's CEO, David Brewer, emphasizes their commitment to quality and their decision to remain an owner-managed business, as they have received numerous approaches over the years. The workshop takes pride in its locally made trophies, particularly the H-shaped design used for The Hundred, which faced controversy upon release.
Brewer acknowledges that silversmithing is an endangered trade and emphasizes their dedication to training the next generation through apprenticeships. Despite the rise of modern technology, Thomas Lyte remains a testament to the value of handcrafted objects, as AI cannot replicate the level of skill and love for craftsmanship that humans can provide.
Each trophy has its unique characteristics and backstories, and the company holds a special place for all of them, much like children with their own personalities.
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