I have a fondness for 1940’s and 1950’s British silver. In many ways the history of silver in this period was a replay of the 1890-1900’s art s and crafts movement. that so attracts me. Small design led workshops battled to succeed and in so doing produced wonderful innovative pieces that inspired later generations. I have just listed a tea and coffee set that epitomises these themes. and is a gloriously heavy well designed well made complete set. More details at this link.

Somewhat belatedly I have realised that the Bromsgrove Guild fish plaques that I acquired and sold last year were copies, or at least inspired by, Hokusai woodblock prints. Who would have thought, Japan influences the Bromsgrove Guild.

An interesting start to the day courtesy of an Instagram post by a leading Pugin expert. Staring at me from my ipad was a beautiful teapot design from Pugin’s Parliamemtary Archives, that was identical to the teapot in the Collection, previously attributed to John Hardman. The discovery of this design also means that a very similar teapot in the V&A’s collection can now be directly attributed to EW Pugin, Augustus Pugin’s son,, not Hardman. More details at this link.

Albert Edward Jones started his own workshop in 1902 and was a key member of the Birmingham arts and crafts revival. Very early on he combined his silver with pieces from the local Ruskin Pottery factory. In combination these pieces represent some of Jones’ most exciting and innovative work. Over the coming weeks I will be listing additional major pieces of Jones /Ruskin silver sourced from a private collection.

Continuing my occasional news updates on re-uniting pieces with families, I am delighted to say that my Jephcott milk and sugar have been re-united with their teapot. These are unique handmade pieces so pretty improbable. See this link to see the milk jug.

I have been alleviating some of the frustrations of lockdown by buying spoons, and have now listed them for sale on the website. I hope you like them.

I have just released my December newsletter covering my latest research and new items for sale. It can be seen at this link. if you wish to subscribe please click here.

Having been moved to write an article on silver (foundation stone) cermonial trowels some years ago, I now find myself in the grip of a fascination with ceremonial (opening) keys. I have just listed three Birmingham Guild keys from 1937-9 that are beautifully made and represent the pre war optimism and ambition of St Pancras, now Camden, council. The commissioning architect of the keys was Albert John Thomas, senior architectural assistant to Edwin Lutyens . Full details at this link.

I have just released my November newsletter covering my latest research and new items for sale. It can be seen at this link. if you wish to subscribe please click here.

I have just listed an exceptional symbolist Glasgow School silver tea caddy by James Herbert and Frances MacDonald McNair. Full details at this link