Focus on Clerkenwell - Derry Keen & Co

Published: 25th February, 2011
by PETER GRUNER

MASTER craftsmen brothers Don and Michael Keen run an engravers shop and work studio that has attracted a steady stream of stars and celebrities to its doors in Compton Street.

With customers who have included fashion queen Stella McCarthy, Terry Wogan and Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, the Keen brothers, owners of Derry Keen & Co, have been providing engraving and antique restoration services since 1971.

Their coppersmith and silversmith father started the business in 1954 and the brothers later took over. Via agents, they have also produced work for British royalty and the Vatican.

They design and engrave everything from Formula 1 trophies and the cups given out to winning dog owners at Crufts to winning cups presented at local schools. Don says: “As far as we know, we are the only company in the UK who do hand, glass and machine engraving all under one roof. Everything is done on the premises.”

Hackney-born Don, who left school with only a few qualific­ations, adds: “Good craftsmanship is a valuable commodity these days, I’m glad to say. This is a very up-and-coming area and business is good. My only gripe is that the pavements haven’t been repaired since 1977. But the council appear to be working on that now.”

Derry Keen & Co
65 Compton Street, EC1
020 7253 2370