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Theo Fennell
British jewellery designer From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Alister Theodore Fennell (born 8 August 1951)[1] is a British jewellery and silverware designer. He is often called the "King of Bling" for his flamboyant designs for celebrity clientele.[1][2] In 1982, he founded Theo Fennell, his eponymous jewellery business.[3] In 2009, he returned to the helm after leaving the company for 18 months.[3] He regained control of the company in 2021.[4][5]
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Early life and education
Fennell was born in 1951 in Egypt.[2] He was educated at Eton,[6] and then York College of Art, followed by the Byam Shaw School of Art, now part of the University of the Arts London.[7]
Career
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After art school, Fennell's first job was as an apprentice and designer at Edward Barnard, a long-established silversmiths in Hatton Garden.[8][2] Following his apprenticeship, he formed his first jewellery business in 1974.[9] In 1982, he opened his first Theo Fennell store at 177 Fulham Road in Chelsea, a location he chose to be closer to his clients.[9] In 1997, he moved his flagship store into the building he helped design at 169 Fulham Road.[9]
In 2007, Fennell held an exhibition, Show Off!, at London's Royal Academy of Art,[9] consisting of an array of installations, dioramas, paintings, presentations and sculptures, each showcasing a piece of Fennell's jewellery.[10]
In 2008, Fennell founded The Original Design Partnership, a design consultancy, specialising in jewellery, silver, and curios while also working in other design fields, and mentoring young British designers.[11]
By 2011, Fennell had expanded from jewellery into items such as silver photo frames, cocktail shakers and jugs, with more products in design.[12] In 2011, bespoke items, including the Secret Garden ring with yellow gold, paraiba tourmaline, diamond and enamel were listed at £40,000 or more.[12]
In May 2022, Fennell announced that after 25 years, he was to move from 169 Fulham Road to Chelsea Barracks, as the rent had become "ludicrous".[5]
Customers have included Elton John, Joan Collins, Elizabeth Hurley, Madonna, and Lady Gaga.[13]
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Honours
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths (IPG)[14][15] and an ambassador for The Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council.[16] He is a liveryman of the Goldsmiths Company, and an honorary fellow of the University of the Arts London.[17]
Publications
In 2022, his memoir, I Fear for This Boy: Some Chapters of Accidents, was published.[2]
Personal life
He lives in London with his wife, Louise (née MacGregor), an author.[6][2] They have two daughters, Emerald, a writer, actor and director, and Coco, a fashion designer.[6][2]
References
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