Shop Talk
08 Nov 2021
OPENING OF FRITZ FRYER
In 1982 Four Pennies band member, Fritz Fryer and his partner, opened an antique lighting business in the quaint Herefordshire town of Ross-on-Wye. Throughout their many years of business the pair gained a favourable reputation for their high quality antiques. With such dedication to renovating and reselling gorgeous pieces, it is no wonder the shop was so loved.
MEEING MARGET
Karen and Simon, Fritz Fryer Lighting’s current directors, moved to Ross-on-Wye in 2003 and fell in love with the little antiques shop. After buying lighting from Margaret, who has been an integral member of the Fritz Fryer team since 1999 and still to the present day, the two were won over by the shop’s charm.
NEW OWNERS
By 2004 Fritz and Joan had decided it was time to retire, after 22 years running a fantastic business. This presented an opportunity for Karen and Simon, and the pair bought Fritz Fryer. For the first few years, the model of the business remained similar to that of the previous owners’- sourcing and restoring antiques from around the UK.
While a big part of Fritz Fryer Lighting still centres around the restoring of antique pieces, there is a modern addition these days.
FIRST FRITZ CONTEMPORARY SHADE
2014 marked an important milestone in Fritz Fryer’s timeline – the introduction of the first contemporary shade design, the ribbed Upton.
It was the beginning of the modern era of Fritz.
The gorgeous, sleek Upton shade is just as popular today as the day it was launched. It is a timeless piece that started the contemporary collection.
Throughout the next year Hereford and Ledbury shades were designed and released.
BATHROOM COLLECTION LAUNCH
In 2015 the first bathroom collection was launched. The bathroom collection is the contemporary Fritz Fryer lights made safe for zone 2 in the bathroom.
The Fritz Fryer bathroom collection has remained extremely popular throughout the years, with more lights added as new designs are made into a reality.
INTRODUCING THE ASTON LANTERN
The design and launch of the Aston Lantern marked a tremendous step in the possibilities for Fritz Fryer. The light showcased the incredible design capabilities of the team, proving that the possibilities for lighting by Fritz are truly endless. The Aston is inspired by Simon’s love of clock and watch design, drawing on the rich engineering history that is so important in the history of the Midlands.
TAKING FRITZ FRYER ONLINE
As the company grew, creating an updated website that could handle the growth became important. The website became more user friendly, making online shopping for Fritz Fryer’s Lighting a lot easier.
SHOP OUR LIGHTING COLLECTION HERE
LIBERTY LONDON
This is the year of a great achievement in the history of the business, it is the year when Fritz Fryer lighting was introduced to Liberty London. The recognition from such a well known and respected company was certainly a highlight.
FIND MORE OUT ABOUT OUR ANTIQUE COLLECTION IN LIBERTY LONDON HERE
THE NEW ROSS-ON-WYE STUDIO
Since 1982, Fritz Fryer had been based in an old brewery building on the highstreet of Ross-on-Wye. By 2021 it was time for a big change up. An exponential growth in the demand for Fritz Fryer lights over the course of the almost 20 years since Karen and Simon brought the little lighting shop meant the need for a much larger space. Fritz had outgrown its nest.
Plans for the new build began in early 2020. With the help of some incredible local people and businesses, Fritz Fryer Lighting’s new showroom opened its doors in April 2021!
Visit Fritz Fryer Ross-on-Wye:
Unit 3, Alton Business Park, Ross-on-Wye HR9 5BP
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT AT THE ROSS-ON-WYE STUDIO HERE
FRITZ FRYER IN LONDON
Perhaps one of the largest steps that Fritz Fryer has taken to date is the opening of Fritz Fryer’s first London showroom. Situated in the design-orientated area of Clerkenwell, the space is a natural next step, this is an exciting opportunity to showcase gorgeous pieces to customers that may not find themselves in Herefordshire very often.
1 Albemarle Way, London EC1V 4JB