A WELL-LOVED family-run jewellers reaches its centenary this year, with a range of celebrations planned to mark the milestone.

H. Hogarth, based in Kendal, is now in its fourth generation of the Hogarth family, having been bought by Robert Cyril Hogarth in 1923.

With two shops opposite each other on Branthwaite Brow, it sells a range of new and pre-owned jewellery, as well as gifts and watches.

Established in 1879, the original building, along with some of the others on that side of the brow, was built using cast iron plates instead of bricks to save space.

It is believed to be the only jewellers in the world with highly distinctive, diamond patterned, cast iron walls.

The business is run by Graeme Hogarth, his wife Helen and their daughter Laura. Graeme and Laura work together in the jewellers while Helen manages the silver shop opposite.

Their son Sam also joined the business in 2022 after working in finance.

Graeme said: “A large part of our success as a jewellers is down to our team of staff, many of whom have been with us for over 20 years, including four of the current team.

"The jewellers has always had private areas for consultations. Our private consultation room has been recently refurbished and offers customers a luxurious and relaxing space to choose their rings whilst enjoying a complimentary glass of fizz, tea or coffee.”

H. Hogarth specialises in engagement, wedding and eternity rings, along with bridal jewellery. It also stocks a wide range of gold and coloured stone jewellery. The silver shop has showrooms of silver jewellery and watches over two floors.

Laura said: “Our customers include third and fourth generation families whose parents, grandparents and sometimes even great grandparents have shopped with us.

"To mark 100 years, we are running a competition from May to the end of July instore and on our social media pages to win three prizes with a total value of over £7,000.

“We also have plans to give back to the local community. Some of the things we have planned are donating 100 items to King’s Food Bank, giving away 100 free fitted watch batteries throughout the year, doubling charitable donations collected in the shop for jobs we carry out for free and volunteering for local charities.”

In addition to the main competition, the business is inviting local primary schoolchildren to design a 100-year logo with the chance of winning £250 for their school and having their design featured in an advert.

There are also plans for a promotional event in the week commencing May 8, with 15 per cent off all purchases and cakes and Prosecco being served on the Friday and Saturday.

Anyone who spends £50 or more on Saturday May 20 or 27 will have their parking paid for.

“We will run another competition from September 1 to October 31 on social media, where we will ask people to share their engagement or wedding photos and stories,” said Laura.

“We will choose our favourite story and the winner will receive a £500 voucher to spend in store.”

She added: “As a lot of retail moves more and more towards online shopping, we really focus on creating an instore experience and making sure customers, however much they spend, receive excellent service.

"Our goal is always to make sure the customer wants to return to shop with us. With the type of product we sell, being able to see and try on the jewellery is all part of it.

“Over the past 100 years, we are privileged to have been part of thousands of special moments, from christenings and birthdays to engagements and anniversaries.

"As well as celebrating our past, we look to the future and look forward to the next 100 years of H. Hogarth.”