From jewelled sharks jumping out of the water, teeth bared, to mammoth bone Elvis Presley brooches: the Theo Fennell story spans over 40 years of unique material and top-quality craftsmanship.
While the Theo Fennell hallmark may be a byline for fine craftsmanship, the effort it took to achieve this greatness is less straightforward. Born in 1951 in Egypt, to a military family, Fennell’s childhood was well-travelled. After moving to the UK, he spent several years attending various institutes. This included Eton, then York College of Art before settling on Byam Shaw School of Art, now an arm of the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and the London Institute. He began his professional career with Edward Barnard as an apprentice silversmith and designer before opening his own studio across the street from his mentor.
By 1982, Fennell had established his iconic Fulham Road company. Ideal in its location, Fennell’s proximity to his clients, made the Chelsea street building a landmark for his patrons. This purpose-built building, complete with showroom and working jewellers’ studio meant that pieces could be made and then showcased as soon as inspiration struck.
This creative inspiration is rather regular for Fennell; when asked about his design process, he has cited two ways he goes about creating. One way is purely cerebral, an idea coming fully formed in his mind, just awaiting actualisation. The second way is through countless studies and sketches. Fennell carries a sketchbook at all times, filled with drawings and details, ideas stimulated by his environment or by stories, or even galvanised by his early childhood travels now matured with age.
By the 1990s, Fennell managed a prestigious worldwide client base, having designed some of the most distinguished awards and sporting trophies in silver. In addition to these bespoke one-of-a-kind silver pieces, Fennell was also producing fascinating wearable art in the form of unique rings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and earrings. These striking designs are now eponymous of the Fennell brand and what one comes to expect as a cornerstone of any Theo Fennell collection. The Bombe rings, Skulls, Keys and Crosses are all pieces iconic to the early days of Fennell’s creative journey.
Now having moved only 100 yards from their original location, Fennell continues to craft unique one off or limited run pieces as well as jewels for everyday wear. From their Emerald Kissing Frogs Ring to their playful Art collection, there is something for everyone with Theo Fennell. Priding themselves on British excellence, their work is made in the UK and they are inspiring and supporting budding jewellery talent every day. Through the Gilded Youth Program which sponsors prizes and awards for both Secondary and College students, encouraging and nurturing their growth as artists.
Still working in his 70s, Fennell has released his memoirs in 2022 during the Covid lockdowns. I Fear for This Boy: Some Chapters of Accidents details anecdotes of the designer’s life and was a way for him to remain in contact with his daughters during a time of global change and turmoil. However, even during a time of darkness, Fennell’s playfulness and tongue-in-cheek attitude, which has seen him through so much, continues to shine through in everything he creates.
