80-year-old Hatton jeweller continues to work alongside his son as the business marks its 40th anniversary
An 80-year-old jeweller in Hatton is still at his workbench after four decades in business, as he marks 40 years of handmade jewellery alongside his son who is now carrying on his legacy.
For John Garland Taylor, making jewellery has been a lifelong passion – and at 80 years old, he's showing no signs of putting down his tools.
John founded John Garland Taylor Jewellery in 1986, turning a lifelong love of working with metal into a family jewellery business that has now spanned four decades.
Today the business at the Hatton Shopping Village is run by his son David, but John remains very much part of the workshop, continuing to handmake jewellery just as he has done since the beginning.
To mark the milestone, John set himself a challenge – to handmake 40 limited-edition Ruby pendants, one for every year in business.
The John Garland Taylor team said the response “was incredible”, with all 40 pendants selling out in five hours.
John said: “It's wonderful to look back on 40 years of making, and to celebrate it by creating 40 limited-edition Ruby pendants.
“I really enjoyed making every single one. It's a lovely feeling to know that something you've made will be treasured by someone else.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years, it really does mean a lot.”
John's journey into jewellery began long before the business opened.
Having spent years working with a hammer and restoring armour for historic sites, including Warwick Castle and the National Trust, he developed a passion for working with metal.
He began by making copper jewellery in his workshop, gradually developing his own style before deciding to dedicate himself entirely to jewellery making.
In 2017, his son David joined the business full-time, learning directly from his father and developing the skills and knowledge passed down through generations.
Today, David runs the business while John continues to make jewellery by hand.
The business has evolved considerably over the years – and the Covid-19 pandemic prompted the family to expand into online retail.
Visitors at the Hatton Shopping Village can look directly into the workshop watch jewellery being made.
The family also continues to source its silver and gold from Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter.