Today we’d like to introduce you to David Appleton.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It began with an interest in heraldry (the study of coats of arms, sometimes called “family crests”). I started by writing a few articles for newsletters specializing in the subject, and then put together some presentations that I could give to interested groups, most especially genealogy societies; for example, “An Introduction to Heraldry for Genealogists” and “The Heralds Visitations: An often overlooked genealogical resource.” I’ve since expanded my repertoire to other more strictly genealogical topics where I feel I have some expertise; for example, “Finding Your New England Ancestors,” and “In Their Footsteps: The Genealogical Tourist.” It has been both exciting and humbling to be able to travel about the local area, through Texas, and across the United States and to Europe to share these and other presentations with others.
Additionally, back in 2009, I began a blog, “Heraldry: Musings on an esoteric topic,” which has received some very nice reviews and to which I post at least twice a week. In it, I share pictures and some of my thoughts about the coats of arms I find or news articles I see. I also have tried to make it a resource for others, including links to other heraldic blogs, on-line heraldry books, even on-line movie clips about the subject.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Like so much else in life, it’s had its smooth stretches and its rough ones. The hardest part for me has been to get people to understand that these presentations can and do relate to their own genealogical research. As author L.G. Pine put it so well in his book “Heraldry and Genealogy”: “At the outset, there is a curious fact in the relationship between the two subjects. While students of Heraldry do take to Genealogy and acquire a considerable knowledge of it, those who begin as genealogists seldom if ever take any interest in Heraldry. This is most unfortunate because the two subjects are necessarily connected.” But I’ve found that if I can remain open and accessible, and especially if I can not only retain my enthusiasm for the subjects but convey that enthusiasm to others, they can begin to see these applications and how they might be applied in their own lives. And that last part, watching others become enthused about it, makes the rough stretches worth it, and I return home from these presentations all “charged up” and ready to do some more.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Appleton Studios – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The bulk of the business of Appleton Studios is the presentations that I give to genealogy and lineage societies on heraldic and genealogical topics. I have also written and published a few specialized books that we sell on our website (e.g., “The Gore Roll,” “Camels in Heraldry,” and a modern translation of “The Boke of St. Albans”). We also sell lightly used books on heraldry, and some of our basic presentations about heraldry as PowerPoint programs. We also create and upload for free 3″ x 3″ cross stitch charts of different heraldic charges, partly as a way of getting people interested in the subject.
What we’re most proud of is our ability to share freely what we know with others, and to see them learn something new and find ways of applying it in their own lives and in their own researches.
I hope that what sets us apart is the personal touch that we can offer. However, it is clearly a very small niche market, and there are not many competitors in the field.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am hoping to be able to work harder at getting our name out there in the world, more effectively letting people know that we are here. No really big changes are in the planning at this time, though I’d like to create a few more presentations. One I’ve been thinking about recently researching Civil War ancestors because although a number of other speakers have such a presentation, I like to think that I can give it a unique perspective.
Other projects coming up include: a second edition (with even more examples) of “Camels In Heraldry;” a second edition (with much more biographical information in it) of “The Gore Roll of Arms;” a booklet about the heraldry on the exterior of the Church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy; and another about the coats of arms and crests in the English Cemetery in Florence.
Pricing:
- Most of my presentations can be given in the D/FW area for between $50 to $100.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1014 Georgeland Drive
Duncanville, TX 75116 - Website: http://www.appletonstudios.clom
- Phone: (214) 354-7555
- Email: dappleton@appletonstudios.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/David.B.Appleton
- Other: https://blog.appletonstudios.com
Image Credit:
Jo Ann Appleton
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
