History of Royal Selangor
The origins of Royal Selangor date back to 1885 when Yong Koon, a young pewtersmith, journeyed from Shantou to Kuala Lumpur in the tin-rich state of Selangor. The tin mines in Malaya drew him and many other Chinese to the area, where he joined his brothers who were already established tinsmiths. Initially, Yong Koon crafted pewter incense burners, joss stick holders, and candlestands for wealthy tin miners and Chinese temples.
As demand for traditional pewterware decreased, he and his sons began producing European-style items for the British and other expatriates under the Selangor Pewter brand, marking a crucial turning point for the company and establishing an export market. In 1979, the company was granted a royal warrant from the Sultan of Selangor and changed its name to Royal Selangor in 1992 to reflect the royal endorsement and the company's diversity. The tradition of craftsmanship is maintained by its 250 skilled craftspeople based at the factory in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur.
Today, Royal Selangor is a global company with a presence in more than 30 countries around the world. It is known for its high-quality pewter products, which are made using a unique blend of tin, copper, and antimony. The company's products are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike, and are renowned for their beauty and durability.
In addition to its traditional pewter products, Royal Selangor also produces a range of modern and contemporary items, including jewelry, gifts, and decorative items. The company is committed to using sustainable materials and practices in its production processes, and is constantly working to improve its environmental impact.
Despite its global reach and modern approach, Royal Selangor remains committed to its roots and to the traditional craftsmanship that has made it a leader in the pewter industry. The company continues to produce high-quality pewter products that are loved and appreciated by people all over the world.
In recent years, Royal Selangor has continued to grow and expand its operations. The company has opened new stores and showrooms in several major cities around the world, including Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and London. In addition, the company has expanded its online presence, making it easier for customers to purchase its products from anywhere in the world.
Royal Selangor is also committed to supporting and promoting the art of pewter-making, and has established partnerships with several educational institutions and organisations around the world. The company sponsors pewter-making workshops and classes, and provides support and guidance to aspiring pewter craftsmen and women.
In recognition of its outstanding contributions to the pewter industry, Royal Selangor has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. The company has won numerous design and innovation awards, and has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Despite its many accomplishments, Royal Selangor remains focused on the future. The company continues to innovate and evolve, and is always looking for new ways to improve its products and services. With its commitment to excellence and its dedication to the art of pewter-making, Royal Selangor is well-positioned to continue its success for many years to come.
Royal Selangor is a company with a rich history and a bright future. Founded by Yong Koon in 1885, it has grown to become one of the world's leading pewter manufacturers, with a presence in more than 30 countries. The company is known for its high-quality pewter products, and is committed to supporting and promoting the art of pewter-making. With its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence, Royal Selangor is a company to watch in the years ahead.
The artisans, who specialise in a wide range of gift items and are known for being the world’s foremost name in quality pewter, have opened their new UK store as part of wider global growth expansion plans. At present, Royal Selangor produces over 1,000 unique designs sold in more than 20 countries and has received several prestigious international awards including the Design Plus Award, Red Dot Award and Good Design Award.
The new Royal Selangor flagship will be located at store G-017D, 030, The Power Station, Ground Floor, Battersea Power Station, London SW8 5BN. It will be open Monday - Saturday from 10am - 9pm and Sunday from 12pm - 6pm.