Technique includes engraving.

In 1513 Henry VIII founded a dockyard at Deptford to build ships for the Royal Navy. In the 18th century a Victualling Yard was established alongside, where ships' stores and provisions were assembled. The Dockyard closed in 1869; Convoy's Wharf now occupies its site. The Victualling Yard remained until 1961, and its site is now occupied by the Pepys Estate. Samuel Pepys often visited the Dockyard when he was Clerk to the Navy Board, and his friend and fellow-diarist John Evelyn lived here, in the manor house called Sayes Court. The Royal Dockyard, other shipbuilding yards and maritime industries made Deptford a prosperous place, particularly in time of war.