Nestled off the Old Kent Road in south London, within a small polishing room, a young man diligently works amid a cloud of aluminium dust. His worn overalls contrast with the heavy machinery that towers around him, which is steeped in more years than he has known. Despite this, he commands the space with a calmness, as if he is in tune with its unique rhythm.
Meet Benjamin Bryde, an aluminium tray polisher at Kaymet. This manufacturing company transforms metal into exquisite objects that grace some of the world’s most refined spaces.
Bryde explains his craft with a straightforwardness that reflects the nature of the work. “As a South London metal polisher, I specialize in refining aluminium surrounds for trays. Achieving a flawless finish is key — every piece must be smooth, clean, and dent-free. It’s all about the precision and craftsmanship that brings out the best in the metal,” he says.
At first glance, his job may seem quiet and repetitive, but it is rooted in skill and discipline. Observing Bryde at work paints a vivid picture of a city that is handmade in the truest sense.
This captivating scene is part of a new photo series by Orlando Gili, who spent months chronicling the makers that continue to form the industrial backbone of the Old Kent Road. Once famous for being the first and cheapest tile on the Monopoly board, this road still pulses with the rhythm of artisanal craftsmanship. Gili shares, “This series celebrates London’s artisans and craftspeople — individuals who earn their living through skill, precision, and the art of working with their hands.”
In an era defined by screens and automation, Gili’s series shifts the spotlight to the tradespeople who remain anchored in the tangible world. These are the makers, whose expertise and creativity uphold an essential part of the city’s identity. The series underscores the beauty of craftsmanship and the enduring value of manual labour in our digital age.
There’s a striking contrast between the industrial environment in which Kaymet’s products are created and the sophisticated places they eventually grace. Gili’s exploration led him to other hidden workshops in the neighbourhood, such as London Stone Carving — one of the city’s last commercial sculpture workshops — and heritage marble specialists Diespeker & Co.
At Kaymet, something about the polishing room immediately caught Gili’s attention. “The room, thick with dust, desaturated every surface. I had the opportunity to photograph Benjamin, the aluminium tray polisher and nighttime musician, during a brief window before he resumed work after a tea break,” Gili recounts.
Since 1947, Kaymet has been producing trays that are as tactile as they are visually stunning. These products are stocked in luxury establishments like Harrods and used in places ranging from the Royal Yacht to Michelin-starred restaurant kitchens, including The Ledbury. Gili notes, “Showing the process allows viewers to appreciate the craft, and the people behind the product.”
This photograph serves as a testament that London continues to create things, and the people who make them are important. The image pays homage to the artisans who continue to define the city’s identity through their craft.
Photograph by Orlando Gili
