Solomon Hougham Silver | William Walter

Solomon Hougham

The older brother of Charles Hougham, Solomon Hougham was born around 1746. His father was Solomon Hougham, born 1704 Bromley, London. Referred to as the Younger - an Excise Officer. Mother was Lydia Hunt, born 1706. Solomon Senior and Lydia were married 18 December 1739 at St Dionis Backchurch, Fenchurch Street. It is believed that the Hougham family came from Sandwich in Kent and were landowners at the end of the 17th century, including the "manor or lordship of Barton." Solomon was in partnership with his younger brother from at least 1785 as Charles’ will - dated 4th March 1785 - states: "whereas I [Charles] am now engaged in Partnership with my Brother Solomon Hougham in Business on account of which a great amount of my property is now remaining in Trade." His mark of 13 September 1817 was in partnership with two of his ex-apprentices, Solomon Royes, a nephew, and John East Dix. Died 17 August 1818 at the age of 72. On 19 September 1818, Solomon Royce and John East Dix entered a separate mark as partners. His mark is encountered on a full range of domestic holloware and flatware. The combination of the two at the time was reasonably unusual and his workshops at Aldersgate Street must have been fairly large.