Category: Butler Skills
An interesting interview with Estate & Manor
Last year (2016) I was interviewed by the magazine Estate & Manor, it’s a wide ranging interview covering many aspects of the butlering world, my work history and of course my work at Buckingham Palace but also some discussion about my company White Glove Consultancy and the move I made to Coco Privé in that same year.
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An interview about my life and work
Paul Brown’s early life was much like any other British teenager’s, until he reached 18-years-old, when it took a rather dramatic and odd turn. One evening, Paul was watching a TV episode of Upstairs, Downstairs, a British drama…
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How to Spit & Polish Shoes
You will require a set of shoe trees (wooden or plastic), Kiwi polish (Black, Brown, Tan and Neutral) a yellow duster or Selvyt polishing cloth, water spray bottle, an old tooth brush
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Cufflinks
Cufflinks are used to secure button shirt cuffs and may also be an item of jewellery for men. Cufflinks can be manufactured from a variety of different materials, such as glass, stone, leather, metal, precious metal or combinations of these. Securing of the cufflinks is usually achieved via toggles or reverses
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Ironing & Pressing Clothes
“Any old flat surface” can do in a pinch, but that’s more of an emergency measure than anything else. Ironing boards are specially made to make the job easier, but more than that, they’re wrapped in…
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The history of flower arranging
The earliest known flower arranging dates back to ancient Egypt. Egyptians were decorating with flowers as early as 2,500 BCE. They regularly placed cut flowers in vases, and highly stylised arrangements were used during burials, for processions, and
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Today’s Butler
The role of the butler has changed a lot over the last three decades. These days, a butler works with a smart-phone and is 21st Century savvy. They often have uniforms and white gloves, but they’re usually stashed away in…
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Clothing care
Good suits require a great deal of care. I always ensure that the wardrobe in which they hang contains mothballs – these days you can buy ones that don’t smell of camphor
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Cleaning glasses properly
The cardinal rule when cleaning glass or crystal is to steer clear of very hot water, which will rupture the glass. I once witnessed a young footman break an exquisite crystal bowl…
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Polishing silver
On picking up each piece take note of where the hallmarks are placed. It is important not to rub them to ensure the make and age of the silver remains clear over time.
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