James Neville’s father was an antiques dealer, and it was through his father that he was first introduced to engraving. His exact date of birth is not publicly available. His father introduced him to his own engraver, and James found he liked it, enjoyed it, and incorporated it into his work, eventually pursuing it as a full-time profession.

James studied silversmithing and metalwork at Camberwell College of Arts, where he taught himself hand engraving under the guidance of Andy Bray, Ray Wilkins, and Beg, his father’s engraver. After graduating from college, James joined RH Wilkins, one of London’s leading engraving studios, where he honed his skills under master engraver Emmet Smith, eventually becoming a Director of the firm.

After his time at RH Wilkins, James spent a period freelancing before co-founding Sam James Ltd in 2011 with master engraver Samantha Marsden at the Goldsmiths’ Centre in London.

James Neville appeared as a guest expert on The Repair Shop across three episodes since 2022. He has spoken passionately about the importance of passing on the engraving trade, noting that the studio employs engravers ranging from age 20 to 78, ensuring knowledge and passion are shared across generations.