A well-known Harrogate jewellers which has been in the same family for 190 years is set to close it doors for the final time today.
The Stray Ferret revealed in November that A.Fattorini The Jewellers, on Parliament Street, was due to close when the current manager Anthony Tindall retires.
Today, after a busy few months at the shop with the combination of a closing down sale and Christmas, Mr Tindall will bid a fond farewell to his customers and staff.
While most of the stock has found new homes, the few remaining pieces will go to an auction house.
Anthony and his great-great grandfather Antonio Fattorini.
It was not an easy decision for Mr Tindall, whose great, great grandfather Antonio Fattorini founded the business in 1831, but his children were not keen to take it on.
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He told the Stray Ferret today:
“I am very proud of the legacy and the whole family are proud of it. Of course it is sad that it will not continue in my family.
“These are sad decisions but you need to do it. I need to retire otherwise I will still be doing this well into my 80s and the world isn’t ready for that.
“Customers like the bargains but they do say they are sorry to see us go. People will remember us for the happy and important things in life, engagements and weddings.
“It has touched many lives, I know lots of the customers but plenty come in and say you won’t know me but buying jewellery from Fattorini is part of their family tradition.”
It is unclear what will happen to the iconic building where Fattorini has been based since 1884 when it closes.
However, Mr Tindall hopes that a new family will take on the business.