House of Ainsworth, Founded in 1870

A Proud Heritage

House of Ainsworth, Founded 1870

Explore our history below

House of Ainsworth

The House of Ainsworth is a 156 year-old family business rooted in the heart of Blackburn, built on craftsmanship, trust, and continuity. What began in humble roots has grown through generations, each one preserving the same values that defined the original business: integrity in trade, pride in workmanship, and a deep respect for heritage.

At the heart of the House of Ainsworth identity sits the family shield, a visual expression of those values. Rich in symbolism, it represents both craft and continuity – a balance of artistry, precision, and legacy passed from one generation to the next. The crowned crest signifies stewardship and responsibility, while the tools and emblems within the shield honour skilled workmanship and honest trade. Flanked by the lion and the hare, the design reflects strength and vigilance balanced with care and attentiveness – virtues essential to a jewellery business built to endure.

Beneath it all sits the family motto, Arte et Hereditate – By skill and by inheritance – a statement that captures the spirit of the House of Ainsworth perfectly. Here, history is not simply remembered; it is lived, practised, and carried forward every day.

Explore Our History

Since 1862 Joseph Ainsworth served his apprenticeship with Joseph Welch (Based in King William Street)

1862

Joseph opened his first shop (aged 22) at 9a Darwen Street as J Ainsworth Watch and Clockmaker

1870

As part of the diamonds becoming more available during the diamond rush in South Africa, he opened his first jewellery store at 71 Darwen Street

1878

J Ainsworth & Sons moved to No 9 Northgate (where the ‘Bainbridge’ shop is shown)

1885

George Ainsworth joins the business (Picture of George) in partnership with Joseph

1889

Joseph amalgamated his watch and jewellery business, and created a wholesale jewellery business and moved to No 9 Northgate. He was joined at this stage by his two eldest sons Alfred and James.

1891

Joseph and George set up a Cycle shop selling Penny Farthings at 9 Northgate

1895

J Ainsworth changed its name to Ainsworth & Sons and moved premises to 15 Northgate.

1902

Ainsworth Jewellers became members of the National Association of Goldsmiths

1905

Joseph and George purchased a fellow jeweller James Whittle based at 48 Market Place and re-branded the store GW Ainsworth

1907

With the purchase of James Whittle GW Ainsworth took over the contract to make the FA Cup medals as well as a host of other medals for the Lancashire FA (Picture of FA Cup Medal) This contract lasted until 1927, depriving the firm of making the FA Cup medal in 1928 for the winners Blackburn Rovers

1907

Ainsworth Jewellers provided the clock for the conservatory in Corporation Park, so as “to help the workers cutting through the park to get to work in the mills on time”

1910

50 Years of House of Ainsworth

1920

Alfred and Joseph’s youngest son James purchased a shop at 74 King William Street and the brothers ran the stores as wholesale business’s selling jewellery around the country

1925

George’s son Arnold joins him in the business at 48 Market Place

1928

Alfred closed his wholesale business in Northgate and briefly joined James at 74 KWS

1934

James retired and closed 74 KWS, and Arnold moved 50 Market Place. James came into run the business when Arnold joined the RAF during WWII

1938

Arnold returned to the store, James retired and Arnold went on to employ Miss F Openshaw who became the Longest serving member of staff in AJ History retiring in 1988

1945

Michael (Arnold’s eldest son) joins the business

1956

Arnold’s youngest son, Kenneth, joins the business

1961

Due to the compulsory purchase of Market Place Arnold, Michael and Kenneth move to 57-59 Darwen Street (our current site)

1965

Ainsworth Jewellers became one of the first 100 companies in the UK to accept Visa in its store

1966

100 Years of House of Ainsworth

1970

Ainsworth Jewellers started accepting Access Cards

1972

Michael Ainsworth becomes the President of Blackburn Chamber of Trade

1973

Ainsworth Jewellers becomes a founding member of the Company of Master Jewellers

1980

Kenneth’s son Philip joins the business

1990

Philip joins Blackburn Town Centre Partnership Board and goes on to organise the Town Centre Cathedral Firework Display which he went on to run for 12 years