In a small polishing room off the Old Kent Road in south London, a young man stands in a haze of aluminium dust. His overalls are worn, the air heavy, the machinery far older than he is. Yet there is calm in the way he occupies the space, as if he understands its rhythm better than anyone.
This is Benjamin Bryde, an aluminium tray polisher at Kaymet, a manufacturer where metal is turned into objects that end up in some of the most refined rooms in the world.
Benjamin describes his craft with a directness that mirrors the work itself. “I’m a metal polisher from south London, specialising in refining aluminium surrounds for trays. My work focuses on achieving a flawless finish, ensuring every piece is smooth, clean and free from dents. It’s all about precision, craftsmanship and bringing out the best in the metal.”
