Well Known and Collectable Makers

There are many renowned silversmiths who have become 'collectable' makers of antique silver in their own right.

Below is a list and brief history of some of the more well known craftsmen and women:

(In alphabetical order using surname)

Upon the death of her husband John in 1760, Hester became owner of his metalwork business and workshop. A year later, Hester registered her own mark (HB) at the Goldsmith’s Hall as a smallworker, progressing to the mark of a goldsmith by 1773.

It was only by the mid 1770’s that Hester’s work became more widely recognised as she employed modern silversmithing techniques to create domestic products such as flatware, tea and coffee pots, salvers and sauceboats which retained classic design features.

As well as progressing in her own right as a talented silversmith, Hester developed the family business by working alongside her children John, Peter and Jonathan and an apprentice John Linney.

After Ann’s death and Peter’s retirement, William was registered from 1815 – 1840 as William I Bateman.

William married Ann Wilson, who bore him three sons, the eldest being William II (born circa 1801).

William II apprenticed under his father in 1815, registering his first mark in 1827 as a plateworker, continuing the family tradition of silversmithing until his death in the mid 1870’s.

Bateman items are often characterised by bead decoration or bright cut engraved decoration of a distinctive high quality, adding to their desirability not only as new and affordable items of ‘luxury’ silver in the 18th century, but as definitive collector’s pieces in the 20th century.

Hester’s work may be deemed as the ‘most’ desirable and collectable Bateman silver, despite the fact that William II was by far the best in the family. Items marked with the partnership mark of Peter and Jonathan Bateman (PB over JB) are scarce and have a rarity value, as this partnership only lasted for five months before Jonathan’s death in April 1791.

View a selection of pieces made by members of the Bateman family

Elkington

George Richards Elkington was born on 17th October 1801 to James Elkington, a gilt toy and spectacle maker,and Lydia Richards at St Paul's square in Birmingham.

In his early teens, George was apprenticed under his uncles Josiah and George Richards where he demonstrated excellent business capabilities in addition to his craftsmanship as a bronze caster.

He initially went in to partnership with his uncles, and on their deaths became the sole owner of the company.

In 1851 Elkington & Co exhibited to great acclaim at the Great Exhibition held at Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, London, organised by Prince Albert and Henry Cole as an international showcase for modern technology and industrial achievement.

When George Richards Elkington died in 1865, his company employed nearly a thousand workers and was established as the leading electroplate company in the world.

The Elkington company held Royal Warrants for Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, Queen Alexandra, King George V, Queen Mary, King Edward VIII and King George VI.

In 1963 Elkington & Co combined with Walker & Hall and Mappin & Webb under the company name of British Silverware Ltd.

View a selection of pieces made by Elkington

Founder of the firm was George Wickes who set up business in Threadneedle Street London, entering his mark in Goldsmiths' Hall in 1722.

In 1802 Robert Garrard (senior) took sole control of the firm active in Panton Street, Haymarket, London the business had already been established sixty-seven years.

Robert Garrard II was apprenticed in 1809 to his father, Robert Garrard I, gaining his freedom of the Grocers' Company by patrimony in 1816.

After his death in 1818 Robert Garrard I was succeeded by his three eldest sons, Robert Garrard II, James Garrard and Sebastian Garrard - trading as R, J & S. Garrard.

Since 1843, when Queen Victoria bestowed the honour of Crown Jeweller on the company, Garrard has served six successive monarchs, ending this service in 2007 when Queen Elizabeth II appointed G. Collins and Sons as the new Crown Jewellers (although Garrard still holds a royal warrant from the Prince of Wales). In this role, Garrards produced numerous pieces of silverware and jewellery for the Royal Family, in addition to the upkeep of the Crown Jewels.

Ceremony and pageantry has always been a key element in the company's heritage as well as the association with great sporting events. Spectacular trophies and centrepieces display excellent examples of superb silver craftsmanship.

Langlands Family - John I, John II and Dorothy

For sixty years the Langlands family were the largest manufactureres of plate in Newcastle.

After the death of Isaac Cookson in 1754, two of his former apprentices and journeymen John Langlands I and John Goodrick took over his business manufacturing a moderate range of silverware.

This partnership ended with the death of Goodrick in 1757; the business not only survived, but continued to thrive and in 1788 John Langlands I formed a partnership with John Robertson I. This well respected and recognised partnership was dissolved in 1795, two years after Langland's death.

Under the management of Langland's son, John Langlands II the business continued to produce a high level of silver plate, and even after his death in 1804, his widow Dorothy Langlands maintained a flourishing business until her retirement in 1814.

Paul Storr

Paul Storr (1771 - 1844) is regarded by many as one of the world's greatest silversmiths

Paul was born in Westminster, London in 1771, the son of a skilled silver chaser.

Having served a seven year apprenticeship, Paul registered his own maker's mark with the London Assay Office.

Over the years, Paul produced high quality silver items, showing his mastery of the craft, which is still recognised and appreciated today.

Paul's early work reflected the grandiose Neo-Classical style, whereas his later pieces had a more naturalistic design (though it may be said, often over embellished)

Whilst working for Rundell, Bridge and Rundell, Paul Storr produced a significant number of pieces for Lord Horatio Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and King George IV. Many such pieces may now be viewed in the Royal Collection held by HRH Queen Elizabeth II.

View a selection of pieces made by Paul Storr