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{{Use British English|date=August 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2013}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Theo Fennell
| name = Theo Fennell
| image =
| image =
| caption =
| caption =
| birth_name = Alister Theodore Fennell
| birth_name = Alister Theodore Fennell
| birth_date = {{birth year and age |1951}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age |1951|08|08}}
| birth_place =
| birth_place = [[Egypt]]
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
| nationality = British
| nationality = British
| education = [[Eton College|Eton]]<br/> [[Byam Shaw School of Art]]
| education = [[Eton College|Eton]]<br/> [[Byam Shaw School of Art]]
| occupation = Jewellery and silverware designer
| occupation = Jewellery and silverware designer
| known for =
| known for =
| spouse = Louise MacGregor
| spouse = Louise MacGregor
| children = 2, including [[Emerald Fennell]]
| children = 2, including [[Emerald Fennell]]
| website = www.theofennell.com/
| website = {{url|www.theofennell.com}}
}}
}}
'''Alister Theodore Fennell''' (born 8 August 1951)<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Mathiason |first=Nick |date=24 December 2006 |title=The king of celebrity bling |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2006/dec/24/theobserver.observerbusiness4 |access-date=2023-11-02}}</ref> is a British jewellery and silverware designer. He is often called the "King of Bling" for his flamboyant designs for celebrity clientele.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="The Guardian" /> In 1982, he founded '''Theo Fennell''', his eponymous jewellery business.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Leroux |first=Marcus |date=1 December 2012 |title=Private equity gets extra time to ponder the beauty of Theo Fennell |work=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/private-equity-gets-extra-time-to-ponder-the-beauty-of-theo-fennell-6tqj37rbd0w |access-date=2023-11-02}}</ref> In 2009, he returned to the helm after leaving the company for 18 months.<ref name=":0" /> He regained control of the company in 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Zhang |first=Tianwei |date=23 November 2021 |title=Britain's Theo Fennell Wants to Keep His Brand Small, and Beautiful: After taking back control of his brand, Fennell has been focusing on bespoke pieces for private clients and nurturing a future generation of British jewelers |page=66 |work=WWD: Women’s Wear Daily |url=https://wwd.com/accessories-news/jewelry/theo-fennell-brand-l-1234997283/ |access-date=2023-11-02 |via=}}</ref><ref name="ES May 2022" />
[[File:Chelsea Barracks Square Store Front.jpg|thumb|Theo Fennell building in Chelsea Barraks, London]]
'''Alister Theodore Fennell''' (born 1951) is a British jewellery and silverware designer.


== Early life ==
== Early life and education ==
⚫
Fennell was born in 1951 in Egypt.<ref name="The Guardian" /> He was educated at [[Eton College|Eton]],<ref name="Evening Standard">{{cite news |title=The king of bling: Theo Fennell on the lunacy of the Noughties |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/the-king-of-bling-theo-fennell-on-the-lunacy-of-the-noughties-6765064.html |access-date=19 June 2022 |work=Evening Standard |date=10 April 2012}}</ref> and then York College of Art, followed by the [[Byam Shaw School of Art]], now part of the [[University of the Arts London]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peacock |first=Eric |date=July 2018 |title=Theo Fennell: 'There are no shortcuts' |url=https://www.luxury-briefing.com/2018/07/all-that-glitters/ |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=Luxury Briefing}}</ref>
Fennell was born in 1951<ref name="Lyon & Turnbull"/> in Egypt.<ref name="The Guardian"/> He is the son of Major Alister Ivor Fennell, and his wife, Beryl Ruth Verity Fennell (''née'' Frith).{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} The son of an army family, he spent his early years all over the world.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

⚫
He was educated at [[Eton College|Eton]],<ref name="Evening Standard">{{cite news |title=The king of bling: Theo Fennell on the lunacy of the Noughties |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/the-king-of-bling-theo-fennell-on-the-lunacy-of-the-noughties-6765064.html |access-date=19 June 2022 |work=Evening Standard |date=10 April 2012}}</ref> and then York College of Art, followed by the [[Byam Shaw School of Art]], now part of the [[University of the Arts London]].<ref name="Lyon & Turnbull">{{cite web |title=THEO FENNELL - A cultured pearl three-row necklace with diamond set clasp |url=https://www.lyonandturnbull.com/auction/lot/167-theo-fennell---a-cultured-pearl-three-row-necklace-with-diamond-set-clasp/?lot=120376&sd=1 |website=Lyon & Turnbull |access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref>


== Career ==
== Career ==
After art school, Fennell's first job was as an apprentice and designer at Edward Barnard, a long-established silversmiths in [[Hatton Garden]].<ref name="Lyon & Turnbull"/> 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.<ref name="Lyon & Turnbull"/> 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.<ref name="Lyon & Turnbull"/>
After art school, Fennell's first job was as an apprentice and designer at Edward Barnard, a long-established silversmiths in [[Hatton Garden]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 December 2005 |title=Market profile |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2929035/Market-profile.html |access-date=2023-11-02}}</ref><ref name="The Guardian" /> Following his apprenticeship, he formed his first jewellery business in 1974.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=January 2023 |title=Theo Fennell: A Jeweller With A Passion For Rarity & Beauty |work=Country & Town House |url=https://www.countryandtownhouse.com/style/jewellery-and-watches/theo-fennell-a-jeweller-with-a-passion-for-rarity-beauty/ |access-date=2023-11-02}}</ref> In 1982, he opened his first Theo Fennell store at 177 [[Fulham Road]] in [[Chelsea, London|Chelsea]], a location he chose to be closer to his clients.<ref name=":1" /> In 1997, he moved his flagship store into the building he helped design at 169 Fulham Road, which became iconic.<ref name=":1" />
[[File:Theo Fennell, Fulham Rd - geograph.org.uk - 372228.jpg|thumb|Theo Fennell on Fulham Road in 2006]]

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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/video|title=Video news and features|website=British Vogue}}</ref>
In 2007, Fennell held an exhibition, ''Show Off!'', at London's [[Royal Academy of Art]],<ref name=":1" /> consisting of an array of installations, dioramas, paintings, presentations and sculptures, each showcasing a piece of Fennell's jewellery.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/video|title=Video news and features|website=British Vogue}}</ref>


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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theodp.com/ |title=The Original Design Partnership |access-date=2012-08-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118224412/http://www.theodp.com/ |archive-date=18 January 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theodp.com/ |title=The Original Design Partnership |access-date=2012-08-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118224412/http://www.theodp.com/ |archive-date=18 January 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


By 2011, Fennell had expanded from jewellery into items such as silver photo frames, cocktail shakers and jugs, with more products in design.<ref name="The Independent">{{cite news |last1=Chesters |first1=Laura |title=Spotlight On... Celebrity jeweller, Theo Fennell |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/spotlight-on-celebrity-jeweller-theo-fennell-6277759.html |access-date=19 June 2022 |work=The Independent |date=16 December 2011}}</ref> In 2011, bespoke items, including the Secret Garden ring with yellow gold, paraiba tourmaline, diamond and enamel were listed at £40,000 or more.<ref name="The Independent"/>
By 2011, Fennell had expanded from jewellery into items such as silver photo frames, cocktail shakers and jugs, with more products in design.<ref name="The Independent">{{cite news |last1=Chesters |first1=Laura |title=Spotlight On... Celebrity jeweller, Theo Fennell |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/spotlight-on-celebrity-jeweller-theo-fennell-6277759.html |access-date=19 June 2022 |work=The Independent |date=16 December 2011}}</ref> In 2011, bespoke items, including the Secret Garden ring with yellow gold, paraiba tourmaline, diamond and enamel were listed at £40,000 or more.<ref name="The Independent" />[[File:Chelsea Barracks Square Store Front.jpg|thumb|Theo Fennell building in Chelsea Barracks, London]]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".<ref name="ES May 2022">{{cite news |last1=Prynn |first1=Jonathan |title='King of Bling' Theo Fennell forced out of Fulham Road flagship |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/king-of-bling-theo-fennell-fulham-road-flagship-chelsea-barracks-b998804.html |access-date=19 June 2022 |work=Evening Standard |date=9 May 2022}}</ref>

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".<ref name="ES May 2022">{{cite news |last1=Prynn |first1=Jonathan |title=‘King of Bling’ Theo Fennell forced out of Fulham Road flagship |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/king-of-bling-theo-fennell-fulham-road-flagship-chelsea-barracks-b998804.html |access-date=19 June 2022 |work=Evening Standard |date=9 May 2022}}</ref>


Customers have included [[Elton John]], [[Joan Collins]], [[Elizabeth Hurley]], [[Madonna]], and [[Lady Gaga]].<ref name="Town & Country">{{cite news |last1=Kim |first1=Leena |title=This Is Theo Fennell's Year |url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/jewelry-and-watches/a40118551/theo-fennell-inteview/ |access-date=19 June 2022 |work=Town & Country |date=17 June 2022}}</ref>
Customers have included [[Elton John]], [[Joan Collins]], [[Elizabeth Hurley]], [[Madonna]], and [[Lady Gaga]].<ref name="Town & Country">{{cite news |last1=Kim |first1=Leena |title=This Is Theo Fennell's Year |url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/jewelry-and-watches/a40118551/theo-fennell-inteview/ |access-date=19 June 2022 |work=Town & Country |date=17 June 2022}}</ref>


==Honours==
==Honours==
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths (IPG)<ref name="GCDC">{{cite web |title=The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards 2021 |url=https://www.craftanddesigncouncil.org.uk/site_files/6561/upload_files/1917.GCDCAnnual_spreads.pdf?dl=1 |access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref><ref name="IPG">{{cite web |title=Find a Craftsman |url=http://www.ipgoldsmiths.com/find-a-craftsman.html |website=Institute of Professional Goldsmiths |access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> and an ambassador for The Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council.<ref name="Craft and Design Council">{{cite web |title=Ambassadors |url=https://www.craftanddesigncouncil.org.uk/page/ambassadors/ |website=Craft and Design Council |access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref>
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths (IPG)<ref name="GCDC">{{cite web |title=The Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council Awards 2021 |url=https://www.craftanddesigncouncil.org.uk/site_files/6561/upload_files/1917.GCDCAnnual_spreads.pdf?dl=1 |access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref><ref name="IPG">{{cite web |title=Find a Craftsman |url=http://www.ipgoldsmiths.com/find-a-craftsman.html |website=Institute of Professional Goldsmiths |access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> and an ambassador for The Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council.<ref name="Craft and Design Council">{{cite web |title=Ambassadors |url=https://www.craftanddesigncouncil.org.uk/page/ambassadors/ |website=Craft and Design Council |access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref> He is a liveryman of the [[Goldsmiths Company]], and an honorary fellow of the [[University of the Arts London]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Getting to Know: Theo Fennell |url=https://www.roseberys.co.uk/artistandmakers/theo-fennell/profile-and-sold-works-by-roseberys-auctioneers-london?authorview=1 |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=Roseberys London}}</ref>

He is a liveryman of the [[Goldsmiths Company]],{{citation needed|date= June 2022}} and an honorary fellow of the [[University of the Arts London]].{{citation needed|date= June 2022}}


==Publications==
==Publications==
In 2022, his memoir, ''I Fear for This Boy: Some Chapters of Accidents'', was published.<ref name="The Guardian">{{cite news |last1=Hogan |first1=Michael |title=Jeweller Theo Fennell: ‘Being called the king of bling is better than the prince of darkness’ |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/apr/10/theo-fennell-jeweller-memoir-fear-for-this-boy-interview |access-date=19 June 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=10 April 2022}}</ref>
In 2022, his memoir, ''I Fear for This Boy: Some Chapters of Accidents'', was published.<ref name="The Guardian">{{cite news |last1=Hogan |first1=Michael |title=Jeweller Theo Fennell: 'Being called the king of bling is better than the prince of darkness' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/apr/10/theo-fennell-jeweller-memoir-fear-for-this-boy-interview |access-date=19 June 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=10 April 2022}}</ref>


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
He lives in London with his wife, Louise (''née'' MacGregor), an author.<ref name="Evening Standard" /><ref name="The Guardian"/> They have two daughters, [[Emerald Fennell|Emerald]], a writer, actor and director, and Coco, a graphic designer.<ref name="Evening Standard" /><ref name="The Guardian"/>
He lives in London with his wife, Louise (''née'' MacGregor), an author.<ref name="Evening Standard" /><ref name="The Guardian"/> They have two daughters, [[Emerald Fennell|Emerald]], a writer, actor and director, and Coco, a fashion designer.<ref name="Evening Standard" /><ref name="The Guardian"/>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Alumni of the Byam Shaw School of Art]]
[[Category:Alumni of the Byam Shaw School of Art]]
[[Category:British jewellers]]
[[Category:British jewellers]]
[[Category:British silversmiths]]
[[Category:British jewellery designers]]
[[Category:British jewellery designers]]
[[Category:People educated at Eton College]]
[[Category:People educated at Eton College]]

Revision as of 14:47, 7 March 2024

Theo Fennell
Born
Alister Theodore Fennell

(1951-08-08) August 8, 1951 (age 72)
Egypt
NationalityBritish
EducationEton
Byam Shaw School of Art
Occupation(s)Jewellery and silverware designer
SpouseLouise MacGregor
Children2, including Emerald Fennell
Websitewww.theofennell.com

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]

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

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, which became iconic.[9]

Theo Fennell on Fulham Road in 2006

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]

Theo Fennell building in Chelsea Barracks, London

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]

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

  1. ^ a b Mathiason, Nick (24 December 2006). "The king of celebrity bling". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f 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.
  3. ^ a b Leroux, Marcus (1 December 2012). "Private equity gets extra time to ponder the beauty of Theo Fennell". The Times. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  4. ^ Zhang, Tianwei (23 November 2021). "Britain's Theo Fennell Wants to Keep His Brand Small, and Beautiful: After taking back control of his brand, Fennell has been focusing on bespoke pieces for private clients and nurturing a future generation of British jewelers". WWD: Women’s Wear Daily. p. 66. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  5. ^ a b Prynn, Jonathan (9 May 2022). "'King of Bling' Theo Fennell forced out of Fulham Road flagship". Evening Standard. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  6. ^ a b c "The king of bling: Theo Fennell on the lunacy of the Noughties". Evening Standard. 10 April 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  7. ^ Peacock, Eric (July 2018). "Theo Fennell: 'There are no shortcuts'". Luxury Briefing. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  8. ^ "Market profile". The Telegraph. 26 December 2005. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  9. ^ a b c d "Theo Fennell: A Jeweller With A Passion For Rarity & Beauty". Country & Town House. January 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  10. ^ "Video news and features". British Vogue.
  11. ^ "The Original Design Partnership". Archived from the original on 18 January 2013. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
  12. ^ a b Chesters, Laura (16 December 2011). "Spotlight On... Celebrity jeweller, Theo Fennell". The Independent. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  13. ^ Kim, Leena (17 June 2022). "This Is Theo Fennell's Year". Town & Country. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  14. ^ "The Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council Awards 2021" (PDF). Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  15. ^ "Find a Craftsman". Institute of Professional Goldsmiths. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  16. ^ "Ambassadors". Craft and Design Council. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  17. ^ "Getting to Know: Theo Fennell". Roseberys London. Retrieved 2 November 2023.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Theo_Fennell&oldid=1212374903"