Nigel Carren is a Historic European Armourer specialising in…
See the pieces for collection including genuine pieces and faithful reproductions.
“Thank you again for all of your efforts on our behalf. The armour looks fantastic in the exhibition… I am sure you will agree, it was all worth it!”
~ Diana Morley, Imperial War Museum London ~
“Nigel Carren is one of the finest armourers working in the UK. Creating authentic armour and miniatures.”
~ Grant Pearmain, Movie-Armour.com ~
“Knowledge, professionalism and enthusiasm… Thank you, I am in your debt.”
~ Martin F. Marix Evans, Naseby Battlefield Project ~
“I never expected the helmet to look so original… It could have been made in 1645 and then bubble-wrapped until 2006, I can’t tell you how impressed I am!”
~ Matt Perry, Private Collector ~
“I am delighted with the finished result. The helmet arrived today and I have had a super time looking at it and trying it on. It has lost that sense of fragility and emanates a real sense of power. You really are a master craftsman.”
~ Kerry Sullivan, Private Collector ~
“The sword arrived today, and we are both totally delighted with the restoration… Beautiful, beautiful work… but which part is the original again?”
~ K.S, Private Collector ~
“Amazing work, I can see you put your heart into it.”
~ Patrk Sokolwizh, Private Collector ~
“Your work bests the originals in both detail and workmanship. It is like I have a clone of an original helmet… I wouldn’t change a single detail.”
~ R.M.W, Private Collector ~
“Beautiful Hussar armour, truly beautiful work.”
~ Eryk Jadaszewski, Dealer ~
“Thank you again for letting me watch you work. I would just like to say again how pleased I am with the helmet. The quality is superlative and there is no doubt that I made the right choice in asking you to make it for me… I am very much looking forward to showing it off on Saturday.”
~ Mick Moore, Sealed Knot member ~
“I am blown away by the horse armour… it was a pleasure to pay.”
~ T.M, Private Collector ~
“I shall not be around when the Neo-Middle-Age (no fuels) shall occur, but your armour shall, so be sure to mark it clear and deep!”
~ Atilio Louis Ferreri, Re-Enactor ~
“My client said the work was more detailed than he had ever imagined. You have a very satisfied customer who will be back.”
~ Kaoru Carrie, Dealer ~
“I thought it would be an excellent piece and I was right. What more needs to be said? It was well worth the wait. You would think it had sat there since the 1640’s. It is now one of the best decorative pieces in the house…I can’t wait to commission you again.”
~ Christopher Roy-Toole, Private Collector ~
My method statement is best illustrated by a quote by the greatest writer on the subject:
“For the study of ancient armour to be successfully pursued, it is of primary importance that a careful examination be made of every existing specimen within our reach… Every rivet-hole and rivet in a piece must be studied, and its use and object thought out.”
~ Charles Ffoulkes, 1909
If you are interested in a suit of armour of your own, whether it’s Polish, English, French German or Italian, please do not hesitate to contact me. In fact, anything at all can be recreated for you, it’s all quite simply down to time, and therefore ultimately your budget. All I need are a few clues re; period, style and finish and whether the piece is for wear or display, and I will happily do the rest, and trawl through my extensive library and provide images of exactly what it is I think you are aiming for, and as the famous quote by King Maximillian I to his armourer (below) clearly illustrates, I am at your disposal.
“Arm me according to my own wishes, for it is I not you who will take part in the tournament!”
~ King Maximillian I to court armourer Conrad Seusenhofer, 1504
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or requests at all, whether it be for full size armour for wear or display, a study in miniature, a single helmet, or all the kings’ men, I welcome any challenge or restoration. Just click on my contact page, and I will do the rest.