Editorial in Journal Magazine
Allen Brown certainly does have experience in the exceptional. In July this year, he will be celebrating 30 years in business with Allen Brown Jewellery. With such a momentous occasion approaching it gives him chance to look back and reflect on how far his business has come with his beautiful pieces still earning nominations for the top awards in the jewellery industry.
From a farmer’s son who helped milk the dairy herd with his parents on the farm in Staffordshire, to the successful business owner he is today. Learning the basics of jewellery making whilst at King Edwards School in Lichfield in a general studies class, to progressing to an Art and Design course at Stafford College, then onto a BA course in three-dimensional design with an emphasis on jewellery and silversmithing from Sheffield Hallam.
Allen then went from holding exhibitions in a workshop made out of an old chicken pen on the farm to acquiring a unit at Ridware Arts Centre. At that point, Allen also lectured part time at Burton College and went on to employ one of his students who showed he had a natural talent – he still works for Allen now 26 years later!
In the early 1990’s Allen moved to Heart of the Country at Swinfen where he has remained ever since.
“Heart of the Country has been a perfect location for my business, creating a stylish and relaxed environment for our customers.”
Today, Allen is renowned for his contemporary classic designs that draw on his love of coloured diamonds, gems, platinum and other precious metals and this shows in his beautiful and practical collections.
Allen’s business has an emphasis on commission pieces where bespoke truly means bespoke, never repeating the same piece twice. By specialising in the unusual his pieces really stand out and from initial brief a bespoke and individualised piece can be created from scratch working with customers and their specific requirements.
“I love working one to one with customers where we work together to create a truly individual piece.”
Another popular service includes remodelling where Allen and his team can transform your older pieces of jewellery into something you can wear and enjoy remodelled into a brand new design. Perhaps you may have a family piece that would benefit from being transformed into a more modern and contemporary piece of jewellery; Allen and his team carefully separate existing pieces and transform their metals and stones into new pieces. Repair work is also undertaken.
Allen’s collections in the gallery include pendants, necklaces, earrings, rings, all wedding jewellery, as well as gents’ jewellery and watches. Allen also has a new upstairs workshop, which was created summer 2015 along with a viewing gallery to watch pieces being made. He certainly does lead a proactive, innovative and forward thinking team who look to be at the forefront in the industry.
Located in beautiful surroundings at Heart of the Country it is a beautiful place to spend the day in the heart of rural Staffordshire. In July, Allen will be celebrating his 30-year anniversary and he seems rather excited about the prospect.
“I really can’t believe it is 30 years since I started the business and I have been lucky to have had so many wonderfully friendly, loyal and supportive customers over the years, to all of whom I would like to say a very big thank you.”
During 2016 all customers spending over £250 at the gallery will automatically be entered into the ‘Golden Ticket Draw’ where the lucky winner will win a prize worth £2500 – Good Luck!