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At
its inception, the founders of Glenowen Ltd
recognised there was a demand for quality dolls
house goods at affordable prices. |
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You
would be mistaken in thinking that Glenowen was a combination
of the names of the two pioneers of a business, for
in reality it was the name chosen by one of the partners,
Chris, because it sounded something akin to a quaint
Scottish village that would probably produce a fine
whisky and quite simply this idea appealed to him.
The duo behind Glenowen - suppliers of manufactured
1:12 and 1:24 scale furniture and accessories are Chris
Taylor and Mark Whitfield who have been good friends
for many years going back to their college days when
the seed of an idea for a joint business venture was
first planted.
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As
with some rare plants, the seed was to lay dormant
for a number
of years as both Chris and Mark completed their
education and went their separate ways in their
careers.
But even then it could be said that they were developing
expertise that would stand them in good stead for
their future collaboration. Both Chris, in his work
as an accountant, and Mark, who was involved in
the footwear industry, gained insight into, and
were involved in, production manufacturing abroad
and the far east in particular.
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It
was to be some time later that the dormant seed would
come to life. Chris and his wife Karen were keen hobbyists
with an interest in miniatures and dolls houses. It
was while on his travels abroad that Chris came across
a couple of factories producing goods on a scale and
of a quality that he realised could be utilised in the
dolls house market, at a fraction of the cost of any
similar items already available in the UK, making them
much more affordable for a greater number of people. |
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Chris
approached Mark with the proposal that this was the
business opportunity that they had both been waiting
for. That happened over four years ago, Mark was convinced
and Glenowen was born. |
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In
the range of furniture and building components
they supply, the colour, quality and finish of
the products are all important. The consistent
colouring of the furniture, which is supplied
in a deep brown British Mahogany, Walnut or Pine
finish, enables continuity within their pieces
so that customers can buy and add to their collection
as they are able, knowing that even after a passage
of time since their last purchase, the colours
will match. |
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Originally
the range began with seven sets of furniture, but has
now risen to over 80 lines, all of which are sold individually
and the number of lines is increasing gradually as ideas
and requests for new products are carefully researched
as to their viability. Once a new item has been born
in concept, the process of design, manufacture and delivery
takes around six months. |
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Although
some might disagree with this stance, Chris believes
that for the majority of people the process of
putting together a house and decorating the exterior
only serves to delay the time when they can actually
get on to the 'fun' part of the hobby - fitting
the house out. He recognises that for some the
design, self-build and external decoration of
a house are all important to them for their enjoyment
and satisfaction in achievement, but at the same
time knows there are those who are keen to get
on with the business and feels that their current
houses provide an ideal solution. |
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Look
out for us in October 2003 as we will be appearing
on the TV programme Bargain Hunt.
Left:
Bargain Hunt - the crew and us. Right: Tim
Wonnacott looking at the 1:24th Lessmead House
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