Carl fears for old skill

Carl Palmer is one of a handful of people in Britain today practising the traditional craft of copper wheel engraving.

Today he spoke of his fear that the loss of another piece of the Black Country's heritage means the skill of fine crystal cutting will die out. The 54-year-old has engraved glassware for the likes of Princes William and Harry, the Princess Royal and former US president Ronald Reagan.

For the past few years, the father-of-two has been a permanent fixture standing in the corner of the Royal Brierley Crystal shop, in Dudley, engraving items for hundreds of customers.

He has tackled everything from messages for wedding anniversaries, to intricate butterflies, bees and animals.

Last week's news that the shop will close before the end of June signals the "end of an era", says Mr Palmer. Owners Dartington Crystal Ltd said the shop, which neighbours the Black Country Museum in Tipton Road, was no longer available for lease.

"I've been associated with Royal Brierley Crystal for around 40 years," said Mr Palmer of Cradley Heath.

Mr Palmer is moving to the Ruskin Glass Centre in Wollaston Road, Amblecote, to work with friend Kevin Barry at his Crystal Studio. "Hopefully there's still a place for this particular type of work," he said.