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Richard Cooke, London silversmith. No record of apprenticeship or freedom. Only mark entered as plateworker 1799.

Arthur Grimwade describes his work as good standard. Cooke probably supplied one of the leading retailers Rundell &amp; Co or Jefferys, Jones and Gilbert.

Richard Cooke

Pair of Antique  Silver George III Wine Coasters made in 1799

Hester Bateman (1708 - 1794) known as "the Queen of British Silversmiths" was an English silversmith based in London. After the death of her silversmith husband, she successfully ran the family business for 30 years before passing it on to her sons. They in turn passed it on to their sons and the business continued with Batemans at the helm until the mid-19th century.

Hester married John Bateman in 1732 and had six children. When John died of tuberculosis in 1760, he left his tools to his wife and the business. She registered her first mark in 1761 as “HB” in script. Not much appears with her mark up until 1771/2, as it is likely she was supplying other silversmiths who over stamped her mark with their own.

Around 1774, Hester was joined by her sons, John and Peter, and they worked to build up a business in Bunhill Row in London. They first started to produce spoons in the early 1770s (with the odd fork which are very rare from Hester's workshop) and they expanded their range to produce neoclassical style household silverware, which included many items popular in the 18th century such as teaware, wine labels, jugs, salvers, salt cellars, trays and inkwells. There were certain items that she didn’t make such as candlesticks and candelabra - although I think one or two pairs are known!

The Bateman style is known for its bright-cut engraving, piercing and beading around edges. Hester retired in 1790 and her sons continued the business.

Hester Bateman

Antique Silver George III Wine Coaster made in 1787

A well known Sheffield Silversmithing firm of the early 19th century. The partners were James Kirkby, Joseph Waterhouse and John Hodgson.

Made candlesticks, candelabra and fine large presentation silver.

The Queen owns a set of 12 Candlesticks 1814/1815 by this maker, having entered the Royal collection via Queen Victoria.

Silver Drinkware

Silver Drinkware

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