Arthur Price CEO Simon Price presents Spring Fair product launches

Arthur Price is a family run company with more than 100 years’ expertise in manufacturing and retailing top quality cutlery, tableware and gifts. We catch up with the chief executive of the historic supplier, Simon Price, ahead of Spring Fair, where Arthur Price will exhibit their latest lines from Hall 1D10 – C11

How has business been for you over the past year?

“Business has been very positive. Many people know Arthur Price as manufacturers of the finest English cutlery and this is still the case, but for many years we have been more than that…we produce cutlery for everyday dining for every budget. We also have a wide range of gifts for all tastes, occasions and budgets and I’m delighted to say that in the last year we have seen this side of the business grow.”

What exciting new launches do you have lined up for Spring Fair?

“The short answer is lots and we are very excited; now here’s the long answer!  ‘My Deli’ is a brand new collection of kitchen gifts including a mojito set and a cheese knife set presented in trendy yet organic and eco-friendly book style packaging, massively eye-catching and collectable. There are 6 to collect and are sure to become overnight best sellers and appeal to collectors of functional kitchen accessories of all ages.

“Cherish Me has always been a favourite of mine and we have extended the collection with some beautifully presented silver plated baby gifts, finished in blue enamel decoration for boys and pink enamel for girls. Ideal Christening gifts including a 2 Piece Cutlery set, Rattle, Music Carousel, Round frame and square frame they succinctly augment our children’s gifting statement.

“Julie Dodsworth designs all her own artwork, which can be described as a ‘vintage folky’ style bordering on artisan and inspired by her times traveling on the English waterways on her narrow boat Calamity Jane. The collection carries 3 very eye-catching and powerful floral designs perfectly captured onto the handles of the cutlery, attractive for both al fresco and indoor dining.

“After the amazing success of the Gruffalo children’s cutlery sets which was one of our most popular ranges ever, Gruffalo’s Child launches for the younger members of the family.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has four new patterns in his ‘Mug Love’ range of bone china mug gifts.  Need I say more when I tell you that one of the mugs is called Glamitor!”

You’ve worked with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen for many years and he’s become an icon of the home and gift industry. What do you think the secret of his enduring appeal is?

“We’ve worked with Laurence for nearly fifteen years now, indeed we were one of the first to work with him, and we have a very good working relationship. His enduring appeal is due to two things. Firstly, he has a finger on the creative pulse of people before they know it. Secondly he comes up with new ideas that connect with people…many think he is simply flamboyant…he is but he knows his stuff and every time he sends in his designs we think WOW.”

When did Julie Dodsworth come to your attention as a possible licensee and do you think she may be a new Cath Kidston in the making?

“We’d seen Julie’s work for a couple of years now and thought it was very good from the beginning.  Relaxed, informal, colourful, simple…you can use lots of words to describe her designs but they are all welcoming.  We know Julie is going to become an iconic British designer but with a common, approachable touch.  There’s no focus groups with Julie, her designs come from the heart after a chat over a cup of tea.”

Why is Spring Fair important to your business?

“The Spring Fair is important to us because it helps us showcase our new product launches and remain near the centre of the UK gift and cutlery industry.”

A family-owned business, Arthur Price has been at the forefront of cutlery and giftware design and manufacturing since 1902. Its world-famous cutlery has adorned the tables of the world’s best hotels including the Savoy and the most iconic of transport including the Titanic and Concorde. It has two Royal Warrants. In recent times current CEO and fourth generation family member Simon Price has changed the face of the company from being simply about ‘posh knives and forks’ to a wide range of gifts for all tastes and budgets. And now Simon’s son James has joined the company, a fifth generation of the Price family to help make sure this British brand will be seen on dinner tables, patio tables and even your lap for generations to come.

Image courtesy of Staffordshire Life