Ogden of Harrogate

Ogden of Harrogate, since 1893 one of the town's most prestigious and creative family businesses, welcomed on 15, 19 and 21 September 2023 three groups of Harrogate Civic Society members to a reception, talk and exhibition at the splendid James Street showrooms.

These members-only events came one week after Ogden’s participated for the first time in the national Heritage Open Days festival. Spaces for those openings were snapped up by the public very rapidly, so Civic Society members were especially privileged to have private viewings arranged solely for them. Even so, each event was fully booked and with a waiting list.

After being greeted by Robert Ogden, a current director of the business and fifth-generation family member, we were offered a glass of sparkling wine, which nicely set the friendly and relaxed scene for the rest of the afternoon. In Robert’s talk to the group, he explained that the business has always been at the forefront of craftsmanship, fashion and design in jewellery, precious metals, and watch-making. We learnt that branches have existed in London’s Duke Street and elsewhere, and in 2015 Ogden opened in Minster Gates, York. Pictures were on display, showing distinguished clients including Sir Winston Churchill, the Roosevelts, King George VI, Princess Marina, countless aristocrats, members of high society, and those from the creative arts world.

A highlight of our visit was the extensive exhibition of artefacts relating to Ogden’s business and most fascinating family history. Bespoke vintage pieces were on display in original Georgian display cases in the Regency Room, and we could view - from behind security glass! - Ogden's in-house workshop.

Members were told about James Roberts' interests in archaeology and his work with Howard Carter to test and replicate ancient objects found in the 1922 discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb and with Sir Leonard Woolley at the excavations of the Royal Graves at Ur. In the room amongst us was Ogden’s sparkling replica of the Imperial State Crown, created by the firm in 1937, along with the winning entries in a competition for school pupils to design two crowns for the coronation of King Charles III.

Sadly there were no free gifts of priceless jewels or silver trinkets for members to take away with them, but the opportunity to see and learn about a business that has thrived for over 130 years and remains a landmark in Harrogate's commercial and artistic life is surely one that none of us will forget. Kevin Hales