AA Thornton History

AA Thornton have been in the very heart of Kettering for over a century with many of the key dates marked by plaques often in the form of hallmarks shown around the building.

It all started with Arthur Augustus Thornton, my great grandfather, who was trained in Birmingham as a watchmaker and came to Kettering to set up his shop in Market Street in 1909.

His passion understandably was always watches and clocks and he was often seen working at his bench repairing customers timepieces.

When Arthur’s son Percy Arthur, affectionately known as Pat, joined the business he expanded further into Jewellery although his interest was silver and pewter.

My father Simon trained at another long established jeweller before following into the family business. Simon oversaw the move into our current premises of 5-7 and then in a series of expansions enlarges into no 3, then later no 1 High Street. He also had the vision of setting up our on site goldsmith’s workshop.

I trained as a silversmith and had a number of positions in the jewellery industry including Georg Jensen and the Gemmological Association. My love has always been Jewellery and I have been focusing on unique bespoke designs together with preloved items. I have ensured our listed building has been completely refurbished including not only the sales area but also enlarging and modernising the goldsmith’s workshop.