Founders Jenny and Mike McClement are a husband-and-wife team from Devon. With new designs planned each year, their vision is to reinvent the way people think about door knockers. They consider a door knocker to be an unmissable expression of your character that acts as a personal signature for your home.

Their obsession began in 2020 while hunting for a knocker for their own front door. “We were looking for a door knocker and were dismayed at the lack of variety available to buy on the high street. We have a background in metal casting, so we thought… why not create our own?”

Each new design starts life as a simple pencil sketch before being crafted as a sculpture that acts as a mould for casting. “We love the creative journey that each design takes. It starts life as a sketch, which is then fashioned as a mould. There are so many factors to consider: size, weight, shape, texture, all of which have an impact on the feel of the door knocker, the knocking experience and the actual sound of the knock.”

Using traditional casting methods comes with its challenges. Creating each door knocker is a lengthy and highly skilled process. However, it’s only by using these ancient techniques that the detail and quality of cast be realised. “We are very lucky to be able to work with a small family of highly skilled artisans. The making process is split between Devon and India. Our prior experience in metal casting has been intrinsic to the success of the business.”
The beauty of pouring each piece individually is that it cools down with little idiosyncrasies, giving it a character of its own. Any imperfect items are recycled in the melting pot and used for the next knocker. With sustainability at the forefront, products are finished to order in their Devon workshop and sent in plastic-free packaging that can be repurposed or recycled.

Each new design starts life as a simple pencil sketch before being crafted as a sculpture that acts as a mould for casting. “We love the creative journey that each design takes. It starts life as a sketch which is then fashioned as a mould. There are so many factors to consider; size, weight, shape, texture, all of which have an impact on the feel of the door knocker, the knocking experience, and the actual sound of the knock.”

Using traditional casting methods comes with its challenges. Creating each door knocker is a lengthy and highly skilled process. However, it’s only by using these ancient techniques that the detail and quality of cast be realised. “We are very lucky to be able to work with a small family of highly skilled artisans. We have a unique working relationship as the making process is split between Devon and India. Our own knowledge and prior experience in metal casting has been intrinsic to the success of the business.”

The beauty of pouring each piece individually is that it cools down with little idiosyncrasies, giving it a character of its own. Any imperfect items are recycled in the melting pot and used for the next knocker. With sustainability at the forefront, products are finished to order in their Devon workshop and sent in plastic-free packaging that can be repurposed or recycled.

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What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?

Our biggest challenge has undoubtedly been designing the door knocker bracket. We had three criteria that we wanted to meet. Firstly, the bracket shouldn’t alter the aesthetics of the knocker. It should harmonise with the design rather than being added as a necessary ‘fixing’ mechanism. Secondly, we needed a way to seamlessly and securely attach it without any visible screws on either side of the door. We had never liked the thought of having to drill a hole through the door or having a nut and bolt showing on the inside. Our final challenge was finding a solution for a fixing bracket that could be handmade. Most brackets are precision-made with precise measurements. After many prototypes and comprehensive testing, we finally developed a simple surface-mounted bracket that’s sturdy and secure yet elegant and subtle.

What is the inspiration behind your designs?

It’s true to say that every one of our products has a story. In fact, the idea for our first design, ‘Amaris’, came from watching the salmon leaping up the falls on the river Forss in northern Scotland. It’s easy to draw inspiration from the incredible flora and fauna around us, but not every idea lends itself to a door knocker design. We want our designs to be characterful with meticulous detail, but not at the expense of utility. We believe art and function need not be in opposition. We always strive to find the sweet spot that embraces both.
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How and where are your products made?

Our products are all beautifully handmade. We work in tandem with a group of like-minded and incredibly skilled artisans from India. It’s a unique partnership as the process is split between us. This is only possible due to our longstanding relationship and own knowledge and expertise.

The beginning and end of product creation is completed in our Devon workshop. Each design starts life as simple pencil sketch before being fashioned into a mould ready for casting. Once cast, welded and engraved, the door knockers are assembled and patinated to order by us in Devon. Our unique working relationship makes it possible to marry traditional craftsmanship with the quality and finish of a UK product.

What does a typical working day look like?

It’s hard to describe a typical day, as running a small business means being a ‘master of all trades’. There is always ‘one more job’ to finish or project to start. It’s very busy and it can be stressful trying to juggle the everyday administration tasks with the more fun creative elements. We do try to start every day with an early morning walk in the fields behind our house. We discuss the priorities for the day and are sometimes lucky to see a deer or hare. Our favourite place to be is the workshop, so we try to spend as much time as possible there. It’s surrounded by the incredible Devon countryside and has a lovely view of Dartmoor.

Look out for Adams & Mack’s one-of-a-kind pieces at the Country Living Christmas Market.