INDUSTRY MOURNS THE LOSS OF THREE INFLUENTIAL FIGURES

The UK shooting trade is reflecting on the loss of three highly respected figures: Richard Purdey, former chairman of James Purdey & Sons, and Doug and Shirley Florent, founders of The Oxford Gun Company.

All three individuals played significant roles in our trade – through leadership, education, conservation, and their steadfast commitment to the future of shooting sports.

Richard Purdey, who chaired the prestigious London gunmaker from 1994 to 2007, died peacefully on 12 April 2025 aged 83. As the sixth generation of the founder’s family to be involved in the business, he was widely admired for his steady leadership, wit, and deep respect for British countryside traditions.

He was instrumental in securing the long-term success of the Purdey Awards for Game and Conservation, which the company took over from Laurent Perrier in 1999. Now in their 25th year, the awards continue to celebrate excellence in land and wildlife stewardship across the UK.

Richard also served as Master of the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers from 2008 to 2009 and helped establish bursaries for apprentices, ensuring future generations of skilled gunmakers.

His 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.”

He is survived by his wife Margaretha, daughters Annika and Kristina, and grandchildren Cosmo, Octavia, Matilda and Otto.

Doug and Shirley Florent also passed away recently. Together, they built The Oxford Gun Company in Buckinghamshire into one of the best-known names in the trade, combining retail, shooting instruction and industry events in a business that has supported countless new entrants into the sport.

As passionate advocates for shooting sports and education, Doug and Shirley were familiar faces across the trade and tireless in their work to widen participation in the countryside.

In a message shared by the company, the Florent family said: “Having lost Shirley and Doug, this has been horrible for us all; but we know they’re now together again… Nicky, David and the team are doing their best to keep the shop and shooting grounds open as usual.”

Gun Trade Insider extends its sincere condolences to the Purdey and Florent families at this difficult time.