ALLEN BROWN CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS
From humble beginnings on a Staffordshire farm to becoming one of the region’s most respected bespoke jewellers, Allen Brown’s journey is one of craftsmanship, passion and enduring dedication. As Allen celebrates 40 years in business this summer, his story is not just about beautiful jewellery, but about the relationships, milestones and memories created along the way. Ahead of the special anniversary weekend, we spoke to Allen about his journey, inspirations and what this remarkable milestone means to him.
EARLY LIFE & INSPIRATION You grew up on a farm in Staffordshire, how did those early years shape your work ethic and creativity?
“Coming from a farming background certainly installed a strong work ethic. As children we were expected to help and pull our weight. I’m not sure where the creativity came from but design was certainly something that interested me from an early age. Drawing and building things from Lego was my favourite thing to do”
Do you remember the moment you first became interested in jewellery making? How influential was your time at King Edward’s School and Stafford College in setting you on this path?
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“Very much so. As part of my A Level general studies modules at King Edward’s I did a module in 3D design with Mr Wotton. He ran a night class in jewellery making which I attended and was hooked.”
“I was a boarder at Maple Hayes then part of King Edward’s and I loved it. I was very lucky in that all of my teachers were encouraging regarding my creativity and so it was a natural progression that I should follow on to Stafford College to do an Art and Design Foundation Course which enabled me to explore different design disciplines and help me to cement my interest in jewellery design. “
TRAINING & CRAFT You went on to study jewellery and silversmithing at Sheffield Hallam, what were the most valuable skills you learned there?
“At Sheffield as well as learning and honing basic technical skills in jewellery making the way we were taught was by being given a brief for which we had to design and create a piece. This has stood me in very good stead because this is how I work up until the present day. Only now the briefs are provided by customers.”
How would you describe your design style today, and how has it evolved over the years?
“I’ve always been drawn to geometric designs but alongside the design degree in Sheffield I also did a diploma in gemmology fuelling my interest in unusual precious and semi precious stones and they still form a large part of my designs to this day .”
BUILDING THE BUSINESS Your first workshop was in a converted chicken pen, what do you remember most about those early days? and what were the biggest challenges you faced when establishing your business?
“What I remember most about my early days was the encourage- ment from my parents who always encouraged me to strive to do what I could rather than what I couldn’t. For me, it has almost happened by osmosis. My parents farm was adjacent to Hamstall Hall where Jenny and Chris Hobbs ran Ridware art centre. Having known what I did for a degree they offered me an exhibition which did very well and led to a small workshop and shop and then a larger one. In 1991 I moved to Heart of The Country. ”
What has kept you at Heart Of The Country for so many years?
“The centre that Lesley and Simon Stubbs created at Heart of the Country has always had a more relaxed and unique village atmosphere where independent businesses can grow and it’s a lovely place to come to work everyday. The next generation of the Stubbs family are building on this winning formula.”
TEAM & LEGACY You’ve worked with some of the team for decades, including Charlie and Harriet, how important is that continuity to your business?
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LOCAL PEOPLE ALLEN BROWN
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