Portrait by Andy Pilsbury
As someone with a keen interest in manual, practical work, Roger Burton first secured a job in the jewellery trade soon after he finished school. He spent around 60 years working for various companies within the Jewellery Quarter, including a manufacturer of expensive wedding rings.
During an unfortunate period when Roger found himself out of work for 3 months, his wife found him a job at prestigious jewellery firm Alabaster & Wilson. Roger went on to spend 13 years at the company, making items such as brooches and chains; he particularly remembers making exquisite silver horse brooches.
– Roger BurtonWhat I like is the family atmosphere in the Quarter, and the fact they help you out, you know. It’s more like a club really, especially as you get to know people, kindred spirits.
Listen to Roger
Roger talks about the process of making a hollow chain
Listen to Roger
Roger recalls working at Alabaster & Wilson and some items he made there.
Listen to Roger
Rogers describes what it was like to work at the jewellers bench.
