A British design and manufacturing company and brand name that few people have heard of, unless they‘d had a flirtation with the alternative scene at some point in there lives, is celebrating it’s 40th Anniversary this year. And it’s inexorably growing to boot! If you’re one of the uninitiated, this extraordinary brand is Alchemy England.
Alchemy was born as a one-man-band out of the punk scene in 1977, making lead ‘anti-jewellery’ pendants, and now, 40 years later they are the biggest international brand name in alternative/goth fashion jewellery, selling their stunning catalogue to over 50 countries around the world. Today’s product range, however, is a far cry from its base beginnings with their jewellery collections skilfully made of ‘semi-precious’ English pewter and Swarovski crystal; and now with a hugely diverse range of fashion and lifestyle products in support, due largely to Alchemy’s impressive portfolio of licensed creations ranging from fashion shoes, bags and vintage clothing ranges, to all manner of printed products.
And 2017 is a doubly fortuitous year for Alchemy, as, after months of work refurbishing a derelict 18th century water mill on the river and nearly 30 years at their last premises, the whole team of designers, craftsmen and service staff have just moved into their magnificent new, state of the art home, St. Mary’s Mill.