Edward Barnard & Sons Ltd

The origin of the Barnard fame started with Anthony Nelme circa 1680, in Ave Maria Lane, London. Upon the inheritance from his father in 1722, Francis Nelme ran the business until 1739, when it was taken over by Thomas Whipham.

Thomas Whipham’s death saw his son Thomas Whipham Jnr take partnership with Charles Wright, who continued the company after Thomas retired in 1775.

In 1786 the company was amalgamated by Henry Chawner and the latter son of Edward Barnard (I) became the foreman of the firm. Chawner was master to Edward Barnard, and this begins the connection of the Barnard family, traceable from 1773.

Upon Chawner’s retirement in 1796, John Emes became a partner in the company and kept Edward Barnard as manager. It was not until the death of John in 1808, that Barnard became a partner to Emes’ widow Rebecca.

Rebecca Emes withdrew from partnership in 1829 and the firm traded under the name Edward Barnard & Sons, as Edward Barnard (I) became the proprietor with his son Edward Barnard (II), John Barnard and William Barnard. In 1838 the company moved to Angel Street, London.

In 1840 the firm fulfilled a Royal commission from Queen Victorian and created the Lily font, a large silver gilt baptismal font used in the christening services of members of the British Royal family.

Once Edward Barnard (I) retired, the firm was continued by Edward Barnard (II) (1846-1851), John Barnard (I) (1846-1868), William Barnard (1846), Edward Barnard (III) (1868), Walter Barnard (1868-1903), John Barnard (II) (1868-1903), Michael Barnard (1896-1903), Stanley Barnard (1896-1903) and Robert Dubcock (1896).

In 1898 the firm moved to Fetter Lane, and then later to Hatton Garden in 1920.

In 1910 the firm was converted into a limited liability company and traded under the name Edward Barnard & Sons Ltd, operating until 1977 when the business became a subsidiary of Padgett & Braham Ltd and closed in 2003.