Theo Fennell
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Theo Fennell | |
|---|---|
| Born | Alister Theodore Fennell 1951 (age 72–73) |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Eton Byam Shaw School of Art |
| Occupation(s) | Jewellery and silverware designer |
| Spouse | Louise MacGregor |
| Children | 2, including Emerald Fennell |
| Website | www.theofennell.com/ |
Alister Theodore Fennell (born 1951) is a British jewellery and silverware designer.
Early life
Fennell was born in 1951[1] in Egypt.[2] He is the son of Major Alister Ivor Fennell, and his wife, Beryl Ruth Verity Fennell (née Frith).[citation needed] The son of an army family, he spent his early years all over the world.[citation needed]
He was educated at Eton,[3] and then York College of Art, followed by the Byam Shaw School of Art, now part of the University of the Arts London.[1]
Career
After art school, Fennell's first job was as an apprentice and designer at Edward Barnard, a long-established silversmiths in Hatton Garden.[1] He then went solo in a small studio and workshop opposite Barnard's and in 1982 moved to 177 Fulham Road and a small shop with a studio and workshop attached.[1] In 1997, the company moved to 169 Fulham Road, a purpose-built building, where it still has its workshops and studio above the showroom gallery.[1]
In 2007, Fennell held an exhibition, Show Off!, at London's Royal Academy of Art, consisting of an array of installations, dioramas, paintings, presentations and sculptures, each showcasing a piece of Fennell's jewellery.[4]
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.[5]
By 2011, Fennell had expanded from jewellery into items such as silver photo frames, cocktail shakers and jugs, with more products in design.[6] In 2011, bespoke items, including the Secret Garden ring with yellow gold, paraiba tourmaline, diamond and enamel were listed at £40,000 or more.[6]
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".[7]
Customers have included Elton John, Joan Collins, Elizabeth Hurley, Madonna, and Lady Gaga.[8]
Honours
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths (IPG)[9][10] and an ambassador for The Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council.[11]
He is a liveryman of the Goldsmiths Company,[citation needed] and an honorary fellow of the University of the Arts London.[citation needed]
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.[3][2] They have two daughters, Emerald, a writer, actor and director, and Coco, a graphic designer.[3][2]
References
- ^ a b c d e "THEO FENNELL - A cultured pearl three-row necklace with diamond set clasp". Lyon & Turnbull. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ a b c d Hogan, Michael (10 April 2022). "Jeweller Theo Fennell: 'Being called the king of bling is better than the prince of darkness'". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ a b c "The king of bling: Theo Fennell on the lunacy of the Noughties". Evening Standard. 10 April 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Video news and features". British Vogue.
- ^ "The Original Design Partnership". Archived from the original on 18 January 2013. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
- ^ a b Chesters, Laura (16 December 2011). "Spotlight On... Celebrity jeweller, Theo Fennell". The Independent. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ Prynn, Jonathan (9 May 2022). "'King of Bling' Theo Fennell forced out of Fulham Road flagship". Evening Standard. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ Kim, Leena (17 June 2022). "This Is Theo Fennell's Year". Town & Country. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "The Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council Awards 2021" (PDF). Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Find a Craftsman". Institute of Professional Goldsmiths. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Ambassadors". Craft and Design Council. Retrieved 19 June 2022.