The historic collection dates from the 15th century to 1990 and includes internationally renowned masterpieces, including work by Paul de Lamerie.
The earliest hallmarked item in the collection and one of the earliest pieces of fully marked secular plate.
The cup is untouched and has never been re-gilded. It is the earliest known cup and cover still in its original condition and only known instance of the date mark for 1503.
The cup is known as Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation Cup. The lid finial has a female figure holding an enamelled shield with the coat of arms of Sir Martin Bowes.
Figure of Neptune within rock crystal with standing ionic columns. Inscribed “the guift of Simon Gibbon, Goldsmith, 1632.”
Gift of Richard Rogers, 1632. With the arms of the Goldsmith’s Company, an escutcheon inscribed ‘Ric Rogers Comptroller of the Mint.’
Engraved with the inscription “This pott was made of ye silver of ye canopie when Kinge Charles ye 2d was crowned, Aprill 23d 1661.”
This salt is described in Pepy’s Diary dated 27th April, 1662 as seen by him at the Mayor’s house in Portsmouth where it was on view prior to presentation to the Queen.
This meticulously crafted silver kettle, by Joseph Ward, includes the arms of Ilbert of Ilfracombe, Devon, denoting the high social status of its original owner.
The silversmith’s exceptional skill is displayed by his mastery use of cast in high relief, and chased decoration to produce a design in the new fashionable Rococo style.
The inkstand was made for the Company in 1741 by Paul de Lamerie at the same time that the dish and ewer in the collection were commissioned.
These wine coolers are in the style of an antique marble Roman Campana vase. Originally in the possession of the third Earl of Hardwicke.
Marks had a short but prominent career; but was regarded as one of the most skilled silversmith of his generation.
The practical idealist C.R. Ashbee founded the Guild of Handicraft in 1888.
Edward Spencer, Director of the Artificers’ Guild, was a visionary within the Arts & Crafts Movement.
The Goldsmiths’ Company decided in 1926 to begin a collection of modern silver, to improve the design and craftsmanship in the silver industry.
Internationally recognised, the Goldsmiths’ Company has one of the finest collections of silver made in Britain, numbering some 8,000 examples from 1350 to the present day.
A unique and consistent collection of innovative studio jewellery by creative individuals expressing their artistry in precious metals.