A first half century

Simon’s great-grandfather, Arthur founded Arthur Price in Aston, near Birmingham, on 3rd October 1902. Over a century of manufacturing has seen the company’s fortunes fluctuate. Stiff competition in the early years from Sheffield and Solingen, in Germany, and the vagaries in demand during the war years, were met with resilience and pioneering spirit from the company.

The first company to make spoons and forks of chromium plate, the forerunner of Stainless Steel, Arthur Price has always been committed to innovation. And though survival may have meant that Arthur’s son, Frederick had to adapt to market forces in times of crisis, the overriding aim to produce the finest quality cutlery paid off, making them the largest manufacturer of Stainless Steel cutlery in the country by the 1950s.

Pushing the Boundaries of 20th century success.

Though for a short time during World War II the company survived under Frederick by making munitions, Arthur Price went from strength to strength in the second half of the 20th century.

Simon’s father John, who had succeeded as Chief Executive in 1947, began to highlight the company’s expertise as quality English craftsmen and they achieved true recognition in 1976 when they were commissioned to design and produce the cutlery for Concorde. A cabin-sized silver-plated version of the Warwick pattern was chosen, embossed with the prestigious ‘C’ motif.