Richard Purdey passes away

Richard Purdey, who was Chairman of high end gunmaker James Purdey and Sons from 1994-2007, has died.

Richard was the sixth generation of the founder’s family to be involved in the company and was renowned for his leadership in the boardroom as well as his passion for the countryside.

He was key to the success of the Purdey Awards for Game and Conservation whose administration Purdey took over from Laurent Perrier in 1999. The awards recently celebrated their 25^th anniversary and are still playing a central role in preserving the beauty of the British countryside.

Richard also served as Master of the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers from 2008-9 and was instrumental in helping set up and establish bursaries for apprentices, ensuring support for future gunmakers.

Richard’s daughter Annika said: “Richard was a decisive man to whom the details always mattered, and who was always extremely amusing company. One always felt better and more enthused about life whilst in his orbit, and if you ever heard someone roaring with laughter in the Long Room you always knew Richard was nearby!

“He was always interested and appreciative of other people and their efforts and achievements. He treasured everything about Purdey, and he had the highest respect for its depth of heritage and illustrious history.”

Charles James Richard died peacefully on 12th April 2025 aged 83. He was the loving husband of Margaretha, father of Annika and Kristina and grandfather of Cosmo, Octavia, Matilda and Otto.