Following Alex’s recent feature in the Financial Times, we head behind the scenes of his Guide to Suffolk. Discover a few of Alex’s favourite places, stories from the road, and never-before-seen moments captured by Helena along the way.
27 August 2026
Behind the Scenes: Alex's Guide to Suffolk
Escape the City for a Weekend in Suffolk with Alex Monroe
Waldringfield, RIver Deben. © Halena Hucker
Where it all Began
Alex spent much of his childhood roaming wild through the Suffolk countryside and decades later, its landscapes and wildlife continue to find their way into his nature-inspired jewellery.
So, what is it about Suffolk that keeps calling him back? Come with us behind the scenes of Alex’s Financial Times Guide to Suffolk, as we share a few unseen moments from the trip and discover the places, landscapes and wildlife that have inspired his designs for all these years.
Orford Quay, Suffolk. © Halena Hucker
“
Nature inspires my jewellery. For many collections I return to the Iken marshes and Iken Cliff to draw. My sketchbooks are full of grass, leaves and feathers.
”
Alex Monroe, Financial Times
Alex's Guide to Suffolk
In his Guide to Suffolk for the Financial Times, Alex returns to the county where he grew up, sharing the places, landscapes and local favourites that have stayed with him ever since.
From childhood adventures along the River Orwell to sailing the waterways around Waldringfield today, Suffolk’s rivers, marshes and coastline have been a constant source of inspiration for Alex and his jewellery. Along the way, he shares some of his favourite places to eat, wander, shop and explore. From Orford and Framlingham to Woodbridge, Aldeburgh and the wild beauty of the Iken marshes.
Part travel guide, part trip down memory lane, it’s a wonderfully personal look at a corner of the world that continues to inspire Alex Monroe.
Jeweller Alex Monroe’s guide to Suffolk — Financial Times
Behind the Scenes
From boats and blooms to bookshops, bakery stops and long lunches, Halena captured plenty of moments in between as she followed Alex around some of his favourite Suffolk haunts.
Here are a few more snapshots from their day on the road that didn't make the final cut.
From Halena's Camera Roll:
Oars at the Ready
Oars at the ready, sunscreen applied (we hope!) Alex sets off through Waldringfield in a rather toasty 32°C British heatwave.
📍 Waldringfield
Messing about on the River
Back on familiar waters, and no better place to cool down. Alex grew up exploring Suffolk’s rivers and still spends as much time as he can sailing them today.
📍 River Deben
Spotted Along the Way
Wildflowers, colourful doorways — so much natural beauty to be found in the everyday. Nature has a way of inspiring us everywhere we look!
📍 Waldringfield
Fuel for the Road
Did we mention it was a heatwave? Keeping cool, caffeinated and very well fed was essential. Naturally, a few pastries were required in the name of research.
📍 Pump Street Bakery, Orford
Just a Quick Look...
Suitably fuelled, we were on to our next stop… almost. A little window shopping caught our eye, and naturally, we couldn’t pass Framlingham Bookshop without popping in for a browse.
📍 Framlingham Bookshop
Castle Detour
It wouldn’t be a Suffolk adventure without a little history thrown in. A wander around Framlingham and its rather magnificent castle was firmly on the itinerary.
📍 Framlingham Castle
A Little Rummage
There was time for a little treasure hunting, too. Books, antiques, curiosities and plenty of inspiration tucked away on Suffolk’s shelves.
📍 The Old School Emporium, Wickham Market
A Very Important Pit Stop…
No guide to Suffolk would be complete without visiting The Greyhound Inn in Pettistree and naturally, thorough research was required. A rolling seasonal menu meaning there are always new dishes to enjoy, but still those comforting staples that will bring you back time after time!
📍 The Greyhound Inn, Pettistree
Homeward Bound
Bellies full and camera roll even fuller, it was time to head back to London, with plenty of fresh Suffolk inspiration to take back to the workbench.
📍 The Greyhound Inn
Behind-the-scenes photography by Halena Hucker.
From Suffolk, to the Workbench
These small moments of inspiration find their way back to Alex’s workbench, where sketches and ideas begin to take shape, eventually becoming the jewellery we know and love.
Heading to Suffolk this Bank Holiday?
The Journal
The Journal is where Alex Monroe shares the stories behind the jewellery, from design inspiration and craftsmanship to nature, creativity, and life in the workshop. It offers a closer look at the people, places, and processes that shape each collection, alongside seasonal styling ideas, interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights.
