Most customers do not necessarily want to trace their family roots back hundreds of years, but simply want to know more about their 19th and 20th century ancestors. There is so much information that can be gleaned from records of the passed 200 years, and concentrating on this relatively recent history allows for in depth, quality research. However, tracing a family back prior to the 1800s can still yield much information.

In this computer age, it is very easy to obtain software to help you to draw your family tree. However, I prefer the traditional pen and ink method, which I believe is far more pleasing to the eye, and will never look ‘out of date’. I use indian ink, and good quality artists’ paper, which means it can be rolled and tied up on presentation to the customer.

The trees I produce are generally A1 sized (84cm x 60cm), or A2-sized (60cm x 42cm), and show all the direct ancestors, their siblings, and their spouses. They also note the years of birth, marriage and death of each ancestor, and (if desired) their occupations. (See example below). The trees are drawn on good quality off-white paper.