Alister Theodore Fennell is a British jewellery and silverware designer.
Personal life
Fennell was born in Moascar, Egypt, where British soldiers were garrisoned along the Suez Canal. He is the son of Major Alister Ivor Fennell, and his wife, Beryl Ruth Verity Fennell. The son of an army family, he spent his early years all over the world. He was educated at Eton and then York College of Art, followed by the Byam Shaw School of Art, now part of the University of the Arts London. He lives in London with his wife, Louise, an author. The couple have two daughters, Emerald, a writer, actor and director, and Coco, a dress designer.
Career
After art school, Fennell's first job was as an apprentice and designer at Edward Barnard, a long-established silversmiths in Hatton Garden and he has spent time in a workshop most days of his life since then. He then went solo in a small studio and workshop opposite Barnard’s and in 1982 moved to the Fulham Road and a small shop with a studio and workshop attached. In 1997 the company moved down the road to its current, purpose-built, building at 169 Fulham Road where it still has its workshops and studio above the show-gallery. Fennell has had various exhibitions including Show Off at the Royal Academy of Art. He started Gilded Youth to encourage young people into his trade and to warn them against the many mistakes he has made. He is a Liveryman of the Goldsmiths Company and an Honorary Fellow of the University of the Arts London. In 2006, Theo Fennell Plc stock was listed on Alternative Investment Market. By August 2013, the share price stood at less than 10% of the high it had reached in the beginning of 2007. The company has been loss making for several years. In 2009, in an effort to stem continuing losses, a management shake up saw Fennell rejoin the Board, having previously stood down in order to allow free rein to a new management team. On 25 August, the company announced that as a result of a proposed refinancing, and acquisition of shares by private equity investors, it would cease its AIM listing in October 2013, subject to the necessary approvals. In February 2017, it went into administration. Fennell creates bespoke trophies and gifts for companies, charities and events such as the Italian Formula One Grand Prix, the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix, the Dubai Championship Stakes, the Man of the Match Trophy for the FA Cup Final and the Nordorff Robbins Silver Clef Awards. As a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, Fennell currently has one apprentice training in his workshop.
Events and activities
In 2007, Fennell held an exhibition at Royal Academy of Art, Burlington Gardens. Entitled ‘Show Off!’ it consisted of an array of installations, dioramas, paintings, presentations and sculptures, each showcasing a piece of Fennell’s jewellery. In 2008, Fennell founded The Original Design Partnership, a design consultancy, specialising in jewellery, silver, and s while also working in other design fields. In this environment Fennell has been able to work with and mentor young British designers. In October 2010, Fennell launched his first range of Silver Jewellery, ALIAS. The collection was designed to be accessible for a wider audience while maintaining originality of design and quality of craftsmanship.
