Ian Wellens was born in 1958 in Devon, England, where he still lives, together with his wife Susie.

In the 1980s he worked as a furniture designer and cabinetmaker before returning to education as a mature student. This led to a period working in music (as a composer for theatre projects) and education (where he worked in various contexts across a wide range of age groups). An almost 20-year association with Dartington College Of Arts included a PhD, which in turn led to the book Music On The Frontline, published in 2002.

2006 saw him founding the retail business which has occupied him ever since - alongside musical work, including his own band based around the music of Duke Ellington, regular performances as part of Mike Westbrook’s Uncommon Orchestra and co-founding the festival Nourish in 2014.

Photo of Ian Wellens by Philip Pinchin.