Was doing some random bow browsing on the net tonight and was saddened to see Bill Howland announced that Brackenbury Bows will be closing. He posted a statement on the Brack' website homepage, goes into effect as of 4/15. Warranties will still be honored but bow building will stop.
This line really struck me:
"I honestly feel that we will not be missed much."
That sucks! Always hate it when I hear of a bowyer having to stop, though I'm sure Mr. Howland has important reasons.
Snagging an original Jim bow or a Howland Brack' in desired specs is still on my bow bucket list.
I have read this same thing on a couple other sites. Lots of speculation on his stopping business. But his statement you quoted is dishearting. I also do not know if bow making was his only lively hood.
Maybe he was just referring to how many great bows we have available these days. But indeed they will be missed.
I dont think Bill meant no one cares or his bows are not desired anymore rather there are other great bowyers out there to fill the void he left.
I hatted to hear this and I was on the build list. Only about 20 names on the list but it was a 3 year wait time!
I am now on Wes Wallace's list and excited!! Sure hope I get to own or shoot a Brack some day though...
Wow...he only made 7 bows a year? That sounds like he was already retired.
He does make a great bow and I hope he enjoys retirement...which reminds me of a line in a song:
"I've never seen a tombstone that says, 'I wish I had spent more time at work'"
That's to bad......I had a Brackenbury for a bit. It was a great bow. I would add that if I had to wait 3 years to get one.......I might pass. Still a shame to hear.......hope things go well for him.
The wait was longer than 3 years, when I got on the list it was supposed to be 2 years, then it changed to 3 after I was on it for a year, waited over 3 1/2 years then he closes shop. Wanted a Peerless real bad, wish I would have kept my Quest instead of selling it but thought I was getting a Peerless so sold it.
So you arent getting a bow after waiting YEARS??!!
Might of made a great, bow but if he could only produce 6 or 7 a year, he is probably right in his assumption. Wish him well and move on. Obviously not worth his time and effort to continue. :wavey: