Introducing Tony Glyn, Glyns Collections
How did you start out as a furrier?
My father started out as a furrier in 1921 at the age of 17. When I was a young boy at school I spent every minute I could during the school holidays and lunch times in my fathers factory as my school was in walking distance. That was my earliest experience of the fur trade. Immediately after leaving school I started training to be a furrier, also at the age of 17. I trained in London with a chamber master who worked in Bond Street. There I made my first mink coat (a sapphire 3/4), an exciting and proud moment which I will never forget. That was approx 60 years ago. Time does fly when you enjoy what you do… 🙂
What do you love about working with fur?
We make new and also remodel and alter furs. I find working with fur very pleasing and rewarding as no two jobs are the same. Each one requires a different approach and it is the challenge that I love. When making new garments I love to marry up the different types of fur, to give it a unique look resulting in another happy customer.
What does sustainability mean to you?
We have many customers who have acquired coats from their parents and grandparents and if in good condition, they can all be brought up to date with remodelling, instead of being thrown away and replaced with faux fur. That is the definition of sustainability in my eyes and there is also the added emotional aspect of making it possible for people to wear their family heirloom.
What do you see as the challenges?
The biggest challenge is to keep our standards high so that our customers, old and new, can enjoy green and ethical products that are self sustaining, natural and timeless. I love the fur trade. It is exiting, satisfying and rewarding.
Glyns Collections can be found at: 2nd Floor, Conavon Court, 12 Blackfriars Street, Manchester M3 5BQ Tel : 0161 834 7581
Instagram @glynscollections
Further information: Read a blog post by Gabrielle, who has recently been working with Glyns Collections.
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