ITV Antiques Star Ian Towning Closes Celebrated Chelsea Boutique Following Brutal Hammer Raid

LONDON — Renowned antiques expert and television personality Ian Towning has announced the permanent closure of his historic London jewellery shop, ending nearly three decades of business in the heart of Chelsea. The decision follows a violent armed robbery at the store, during which Towning was brutally attacked with a hammer by masked thieves.

Towning, a familiar face to viewers of ITV's Dickinson’s Real Deal and Channel 4's Posh Pawn, has run the prestigious Bourbon-Hanby emporium on Sydney Street since 1997. Reflecting on the traumatic incident, Towning admitted that he has "never truly recovered" from the physical and emotional scars left by the assault.

A Traumatic £200,000 Raid

The targeted robbery took place at the Chelsea establishment when masked individuals stormed the premises. The assailants, armed with hammers, smashed display cases and stole high-value items valued at approximately £200,000. During the confrontation, Towning was struck over the head, sustaining head injuries that required immediate medical attention.

The sheer violence of the raid has left the long-standing dealer traumatised, prompting his decision to shut up shop for good and leave the capital. "I have decided to close the doors of Bourbon-Hanby," Towning shared. "The environment has changed, and the impact of that day remains with me every time I step into the shop."

Criticism of Capital Security and Leadership

In the wake of his decision, the veteran dealer expressed sharp frustration with London's current security situation and rising rates of violent crime. Towning directed blame towards London Mayor Sadiq Khan, describing the local leadership as "a disaster" for the city's independent business owners.

"I think Sadiq Khan has been a disaster for London," Towning told reporters, voicing a sentiment shared by several local retailers who feel increasingly vulnerable to targeted retail crime. The closure of Bourbon-Hanby marks the end of an era for Chelsea’s antiques community, leaving customers and fellow dealers mourning the loss of a landmark establishment.