By far the most prolific family of silversmiths in Chester was the Richardson family. The first was Richard Richardson (1674 - 1729). The Richardson family dominated the production of silver in Chester throughout the 18th century. The greatest Chester silversmith was Richard Richardson II - his work typifies delicacy, lightness and elegance. The official Chester Assay Office had been established in 1701, and silver in Georgian Chester was produced by several makers in addition to the Richardsons.