Michael Hyman
JEWELLER CALLS TIME AFTER 146 YEARS
For generations Leonard Dews, which first opened its doors on the Fylde coast in 1877, has been a name associated with high-quality jewellery and watches.
Now in a final chapter owner Michael Hyman has called time on his career and the business, whose iconic Church Street store in Blackpool predates the resort’s famous Tower.
He announced the closure of one of the oldest jewellers in the North West as well as his own retirement, after 55 years spent working and building the family concern.
When Leonard Dews was established 146 years ago, Queen Victoria was on the throne and Benjamin Disraeli was Prime Minister.
In 1959 the business was bought by its current owners, another local jewellery family business, Hymans.
David Hyman, an entrepreneur originally from Liverpool, had arrived on the Fylde coast from the Isle of Man with his family in 1925. He was inspired to set-up his Blackpool store by a chance encounter with a pianist selling song sheets for a penny.
With an innate flair for business, David opened a number of stores in Blackpool and the Isle of Man. Over the years business thrived and at its peak Hymans had 11 stores including locations in Birmingham, Liverpool, Jersey, Manchester and the Isle of Man, trading under the names Hymans, Leonard Dews and Wilkins.
Michael joined the business to support his father. He said: “I grew up here in Blackpool and came into the business in 1968. I learnt my trade on the job, guided by my father.
“My father, who passed away in 1977, was hugely knowledgeable about diamonds and taught me everything I needed to know.
“But watches were always my passion, so I went to Switzerland to understand how the finest quality watches were manufactured.”
When recession hit in the 1980s the business was pared back and transferred to the flagship Leonard Dews store in Blackpool. With a reputation for high-end diamonds, Leonard Dews weathered the economic storm.
In 2000 the store relocated to its current location. It was expanded and refurbished, taking on several high-end watch brands, including Patek Philippe, TAG Heuer, Omega, Bremont and Chopard.
Announcing the closure in June, Michael said: “My team and I have worked hard to take Leonard Dews to where it is today.
“We have shared our dedication and passion with our customers, who have supported us over many years. And now I have made the emotional decision to hang up my loupe and call time on this much-loved business.”
“My first concern was for my staff and I have been supporting them as much as possible to find new positions.”
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