News and Events – Arthur Price In Lichfield

Summer Sale Now On

Our Summer Sale is now on. Until Saturday 13th July at 4pm we have loads of special bargains only available during this period.

There’s box sets down to £99 (from £380) and knife blocks only £29.50 (RRP £99)

If you want a gift, our silver plate frames at down to an unbelievable £4.50 (RRP £15.59) and there’s a special children’s bundle gift set. Frame and baby shoe at £19.50, normally sold separately at £57.

There’s free parking outside and we are open 9-4 Monday to Friday and Saturday 10-4. Closed Sundays.

We hope to see you there

Arthur Price Announced As Headline Sponsor Of Historic Lichfield Event

We are delighted to announce that we are the headline sponsor of Lichfield’s historic Sheriff’s Ride.

Sponsorship of this 471 year old unique event, the only one of its type in the UK, will build upon Lichfield’s history and traditions and most importantly help reach new generations, broaden its appeal and bring economic benefits to the whole area.

The Lichfield Shrievalty Association (a group of former Sheriffs of Lichfield) have taken on the responsibility of maintaining the Ride. One of Lichfield’s greatest and oldest traditions, the Ride is a horse mounted inspection of the ancient boundary of the City which began after Queen Mary gave Lichfield a Royal Charter. This charter separated Lichfield from Staffordshire and made it a county in its own right. This enabled Lichfield to appoint its own Sheriff who enforced the law and managed the prison. The first ride was undertaken in 1553 and has continued every year except for the Covid years. The first Sheriff was Gregorie Stonynge. The 2024 Sheriff is Cathy Wood, who will join the historic list of locals to bear the title.

Our sponsorship will allow the Ride to more include the younger generation and increase community involvement. 2024 will see the first ever appointment of a Junior Sheriff who will be selected from a local school. Also, during the year The Arthur Price Junior Sheriff Children’s Fund will be created to raise money to help more youngsters to experience horse riding for the first time. Finally, the cultural legacy of the Ride will be taught by the newly appointed Official Ride Historian, Jonathan ‘Jono’ Oates, who will visit local schools.

Further widening the community involvement will be the official inclusion of cyclists. Organisations such as The Alternative Sheriff’s Ride, will also be part of the celebration.

The Clerk of The Course, Nick Sedgwick, said “The Lichfield Shrievalty Association plans to improve the event. The Arthur Price sponsorship enables us to directly attract the younger generation which will enhance our work to widen the impact of The Ride. We have already seen an incredible response from our local community with the interest and support from many local organisations and individuals. Already businesses, landowners and volunteers have come together to keep this tradition alive. We will return The Lichfield Sheriff’s Ride to the forefront of Lichfield’s historic and cultural heritage.

“We concluded that during these tough economic times, the only way to take The Ride to the next level was with sponsorship. I am delighted that Arthur Price, a family-owned, local independent company has stepped forward to support us. Indeed, it was their wish for their sponsorship to evolve The Ride and I thank them for their foresight and support.”

Simon Price, CEO of Arthur Price said, “The pressure on budgets meant that the event, in its current format, needed to be supported. But with difficulty comes opportunity and I was very focused on identifying where the event could be improved – reaching a wider audience, gaining more community engagement, making an impact on the local economy and finally to leave a lasting legacy.

“If a tradition is lost it is very difficult to resurrect. The whole district is rich in history which makes it a wonderful place for residents and visitors alike. Indeed, it has just been named as one of the best places to live in the UK.

“With our sponsorship I hope to make the event relevant for today’s society and for the benefit of the whole community. Specifically, with a view to attracting the next generation and helping the local economy by bringing in people from outside the usual groups to participate. “As Lichfield’s famous lexicographer Samuel Johnson once said,…”make new things familiar and familiar things new.” With such a rich history, and a passionate group of organisers, The Ride is a sleeping giant of an occasion with huge potential for the local community.”

Former Sheriff, Daryl Brown, from The Lichfield Shrievalty Association said, “Simon Price has been very specific in his vision for the sponsorship and that the next generation is key. As a teacher I wholeheartedly agree.

“Last year’s Ride included both cyclists and horses, and was a resounding success. I envisage a City full of spectators watching the ceremonial procession of The Sheriff, The Junior Sheriff, The Ride of 75 horses and a host of cyclists.

“Such a display will unite local residents and visitors in a celebration of our unique cultural identity. This will, in turn, support the local economy, filling cafes and shops and welcoming new visitors to our historic City.”

The Lichfield Sheriff’s Ride will take place on Saturday 7^th September 2024, starting in the morning, at The Guildhall on Bore Street. It will then make its way around the historic 20 mile boundary before returning via Lichfield Cathedral at around 4:30pm. To find out more, support or participate, visit www.sheriffoflichfield.org.uk.

Bank Holiday Monday Closed

Just to let you know we are having a rest on Bank Holiday Monday (27 May). We will be back open first thing at 9am on Tuesday 7 May.

Spring Has Sprung An Amazing Offer. Free Frame Promotion

Friday 1 March. Spring has sprung, the lighter nights are within touching distance and we have a new offer.

The first 100 people to visit the Factory Shop from today will receive a 10×8 frame worth £19.95 if they spend £20 or more. All you have to do is mention the offer when purchasing. Simple.

Hurry while stocks last.

PS. Don’t forget there’s free parking right outside

Arthur Price On The TV With David Dickinson Talking Titanic

Two family-owned Lichfield businesses have appeared on the same episode of one of Britain’s most-watched television programmes. The 19^th series of Dickinson’s Real Deal is currently being broadcast on ITV1.

The episode which aired on Friday, January 19, featured auction scenes with Richard Winterton at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Fradley, and celebrity antiques expert David ‘The Duke’ Dickinson talking to Simon Price, CEO of cutlery manufacturer Arthur Price.

Simon visited the Fradley Park saleroom because of a personal connection with one of the lots featured on the programme – a Titanic souvenir signed by Millvena Dean, the last living survivor of the sinking and, at two months old, the youngest passenger onboard.

Founded in 1902, Arthur Price supplied cutlery for the White Line, Titanic’s owner. Arthur Price cutlery has been found in the wreck and been verified by deep-sea explorers.

Arthur Price produced a limited edition silver-plated spoons modelled from the original die on the pattern used on the Captain’s table.

Number 1 of 89, bearing Millvena Dean’s signature on the bowl of the spoon, and commemorating her 89th birthday in 2001, was brought to a Dealer Day at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull in May last year by Tom Reeves.

Tom’s framed spoon included a certificate with a personalised inscription – “To Tom and Gail, with every good wish from Millvena Dean, youngest survivor of the Titanic” – dated September 19, 2001.

Dealer Fay Rutter offered £80 but Tom opted for the experience of auction, with David Dickinson adding: “I think they’ve got something here that just titillates the public imagination. I think it’s desirable.”

By a quirk of fate, Tom worked for Simon’s grandfather Frederick Price at Parkfield Rolling Mills in Saltley, Birmingham, a manufacturing firm used to produce Arthur Price cutlery. When Richard Winterton found out about the connection, he invited Simon to meet Tom and watch the auction together.

Tom said on TV to David Dickinson, “I used to work for the company that supplied all the cutlery for the Titanic. The spoon is made from the genuine dies that made the cutlery originally in 1912.

He added: “I acquired replica newspaper articles over a period of time to put with it along with a copy of the posters that they had at the shipyard in Belfast before Titanic came to Southampton.”

Fast forward to the auction day in June 2023 and Simon was interviewed onscreen by ‘The Duke’ discussing the Titanic cutlery and a letter from an explorer who in a submersible visited the wreck at the bottom of Atlantic Ocean, and recognised the Arthur Price cutlery in the ship’s copper dishwasher tanks.

Going under the hammer with Richard Winterton, Tom’s lot sold well at auction and he took home £82 to put towards a holiday – definitely the Real Deal.

Simon said: “It was tremendous fun going along to the auction and meeting David, and it was a fantastic surprise to meet Tom, who worked for my grandfather.

“It was also a special moment being able to share the story of Arthur Price’s involvement with the Titanic on TV.”

David Dickinson also signed the We Love Lichfield celebrity shirt of which Simon is the patron. The Community Fund which raising and distributes grants across Lichfield District hopes to auction the t-shirt, which has over 40 signatures, to raise further funds in the future.

Simon said, “My thanks to David for taking the time to sign our We Love Lichfield charity shirt. He wanted to know more about the work the fund does and the people it helps. By signing the t-shirt, he adds to the amazing list of celebrities who have put their name to the fund, and in doing so helping others.”

Richard Winterton added: “I have known Simon for many years and when Tom came to the Dealer Day with his history linked to Arthur Price, it was a perfect connection and so I had to invite Simon along to meet him.

“Not only are our firms Lichfield companies each more than 100 years old, we are both committed supporters of We Love Lichfield and I also wish to say a big thank you to David Dickinson for his kind support.”

For more information on We Love Lichfield, visit www.welovelichfield.com.

For further information on Arthur Price Titanic replica cutlery visit: www.arthurprice.com/collections/titanic-luxury-cutlery

Series 19 episode six of Dickinson’s Real Deal, ‘Solihull 2’, can be viewed on demand at www.itv.com/watch/dickinsons-real-deal/33248/1a8665a1082.

The Summer 2023 Arthur Price Factory Shop Sale

It’s July and that can only mean one thing…it’s the Arthur Price Factory Shop Summer Sale.

Starting 10am this Saturday 8th July until 4pm Saturday 22nd July you will find some amazing bargains of up to 75% off including

44 piece Mirage cutlery set RRP £259.00 offer Price £79.00

32 piece Mirage cutlery set RRP £199 offer Price £49.00

16 piece Champagne Mirage cutlery set RRP £140.00 offer Price £35.00

42 piece Highgrove cutlery set RRP £278.00 offer Price £75.00

Black and White Knife Block RRP £99.00 offer Price £29.00

Woodland and Jungle child cutlery set RRP £22.50 offer Price £5.95

4 Mirage Serving Spoons RRP £39.00 offer Price £9.75

6 Champagne sundae Spoons RRP £59.00 offer Price £14.75

There’s free parking right outside so please put a date in your diary and pop in during July.

We are hiring

We are hiring. We need a Part Time Trainee Sales Administrator

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a part-time Trainee Sales Administrator to join our Sales Team at our Lichfield office.

Arthur Price been manufacturing high quality cutlery and tableware since 1902. A family-owned business, Arthur Price has always been at the forefront of innovation and quality, with a sales team who always exceed their customers’ expectations.

The role:
You will join the established Sales Team, where you will provide administration support to the wider Sales and Production teams. Full training on all products and systems will be given. Occasional assistance working in our Factory Shop will also be a requirement.

The role:
• Provide administrative support to the Sales and Production teams.
• Dealing with customer queries via email and telephone.
• Process orders and act as the link between Sales and Production, Distribution and Finance departments

The ideal applicant will:
• Have excellent communication skills.
• Be computer literate in Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Full training will be provided for Microsoft Nav software.
• Have a willingness to learn and a flexible approach to the role.
• Be forward thinking and willing to progress your career.

The offer:
• Lichfield office based role
• Salary: dependent upon experience
• Monday – Friday (up to 30 hours) per week
• Free onsite parking
• Company pension scheme
• 20 days holiday plus appropriate bank holidays (FTE)

Please apply with CV and covering letter FAO Tony Melia: tony.melia@arthurprice.com

UK’s Biggest Cutlery Shop Re-Opens With Extended Hours And Biggest Ever Sale

The Arthur Price Factory Shop in Lichfield has announced that it is re-opening from Monday 12 April with increased hours and the biggest sale in its history including a £25,000 sterling silver canteen down to £5,000.

The shop on Britannia Way will be open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (closed Thursday) and Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday 10am-4pm.

There will be some unbelievable offers, while stocks last, across sterling silver, silver plate and stainless steel canteens of cutlery. Plus, smaller box sets in various patterns from just £39 – perfect for alfresco dining. There is also a range of gifts including Royal Scot Crystal glassware plus bespoke Arthur Price silverware including cake tiers, salvers, candelabras, napkin rings and much more.

Simon Price, CEO said, “This re-opening is a celebration. Pure and simple. After the dark, harsh months of lockdown the team is bursting to see people and what better way to celebrate than to have some super offers.

“It will be so good to be back together again. We are thankful to all the local people who have purchased from us over the last year. Supporting independent shops is important for the local economy but it also shows great community spirit and I ask everyone to keep shopping local for whatever they need, keep our independent shops’ tills ringing.”

James Price, Simon’s eldest son and the fifth generation of the Price family said, “With Arthur Price cutlery online plus a click and collect service sales have buoyant even with the various lockdowns. However, nothing beats seeing people in the shop, it just lifts people’s spirits and we can’t wait to see people.

Safety and welfare guidelines for both staff and customers are in place including a one-way route, social distancer markers throughout, a sanitiser station and a screened till point.

The Arthur Price team invites customers to browse in the shop or they can call or email their orders.
There is lots of free parking immediately outside where all purchases can be placed straight into people’s cars.

Follow the Arthur Price Factory Shop on Facebook to keep up to date with all the special offers during Spring.

Arthur Price CEO is made Honorary Freeman of Lichfield

Arthur Price CEO Simon Price is made Honorary Freeman of Lichfield in recognition of services to the city. At a Mayoral service at the Guildhall, Lichfield, Simon was installed, along with others as a Freeman

The Smiths are members, known as Freemen, of the Worshipful Company of Smiths, Goldsmiths, Cardmakers and Ironmongers, Pewterers and Braziers, Cutlers, Nailors and Spurriers of the City of Lichfield.

The Company was already recognised in 1601 as ‘an antient society’ when its charter was renewed and it is more than possible that its history goes back centuries further.

Guilds, Companies and Mysteries were mainly of medieval origin, coming into being to protect the often precarious livelihoods of craftsmen. Lichfield was too small for each craft to have its own guild which brought about the amalgamation of the trades into a single company, known for short as ‘The Smiths.’

The guilds became powerful and often took on responsibilities later to be performed by municipal councils. Abuses of the power of the guilds led to curbs on their activities and the need for charters to be granted and ratified.

Subsequent legislation gradually whittled away the power of the guilds and many died away. The Lichfield Company is one of a comparatively few to remain, not, now, to protect the livelihoods of its members but to encourage craftsmanship. To this end, men and women skilled in their craft living or working in Lichfield are invited to become Freemen, apprentices are sponsored and people who have been singled out for their services to the City are appointed as Honorary Freemen.

The major events of the Company’s year are the Mayoral Court in February, at which new members are sworn, followed by the Annual Feast chaired by the newly installed Worshipful Master; the Annual General Meeting, still held in the week following St Clement’s Day according to ancient custom; the Garden Party in July and visits throughout the year at the whim of the Master.

Strictly Come Dancing Star Coming To Lichfield

Lichfield is set to be bowled over by a charity cricket evening starring Strictly Star Graeme Swann

We Love Lichfield, Lichfield Cricket Club and The Lord Taveners are hosting a charity evening of sporting chat and entertainment with all the money raised going to good causes across the District

Following on from the huge success of last year’s inaugural event, Lichfield Cricket Club, in association with We Love Lichfield and The Lords Taverners, are hosting a Gala Dinner on Friday 28^th June. Ex-England cricketer, Ashes hero and Strictly Come Dancing star Graeme Swann is the main speaker, with Radio 5 Live presenter Pat Murphy once again MC for the evening.

The dinner, which includes a four-course meal, will take place in a marquee at Lichfield Cricket Club on Eastern Avenue, Lichfield with Gold Package tables of 10 available for £1,000 and standard tables available for £650. There will also be tables available for individual ticket purchases, with single tickets priced at £65.

In addition to the meal and Q&A with Graeme Swann & Pat Murphy, there will also be an auction and raffle, with other games taking place throughout the evening in what promises to be another memorable night supporting three fantastic causes, with all money raised being reinvested in the District of Lichfield.

Simon Price, CEO of cutlery firm Arthur Price and Patron of We Love Lichfield said: “Last years inaugural event was fantastic, and we are going to push out all the stops to make the 2019 evening even better. But don’t think this event is just about cricket. Graeme will chat about his celebrity life after cricket including his ‘fab-u-lous’ time on Strictly. It’s set to be a great evening for individuals, families and friends and it’s a great corporate opportunity for local businesses.”

For any ticket enquiries or sponsorship opportunities, including further details on our Gold Package, please contact Tom Stone on 07557 962159 or email Lichfieldcc@outlook.com