The Smith family of silversmiths in London was one of the most successful and respected in the 19th century. The family business was founded in 1800 by George Smith Sr., who was apprenticed to the renowned silversmith Paul Storr. Smith Sr. quickly established himself as a skilled and innovative silversmith, and his work was soon in high demand among the aristocracy and wealthy middle class.
In 1820, George Smith Jr. joined the family business, and together father and son created some of the most beautiful and iconic silver pieces of the 19th century. Their work was characterized by its elegant design, exquisite craftsmanship, and use of high-quality materials. The Smiths were also known for their ability to produce silver in a wide range of styles, from traditional to neoclassical to romantic.
The Smith family business was particularly successful during the Victorian era. During this time, there was a great
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demand for silver, and the Smiths were able to meet this demand by producing a wide range of silver objects, including tableware, tea sets, coffee sets, candlesticks, and centerpieces. The Smiths also produced a number of important ceremonial pieces, such as the silver trowel used to lay the foundation stone of the Houses of Parliament in 1834.
The Smith family business continued to thrive in the late 19th century, even in the face of increasing competition from foreign silversmiths. The Smiths were able to maintain their position at the forefront of the British silver industry by continuing to produce high-quality silver in a variety of styles. The family business also benefited from the support of a number of royal patrons, including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
The Smith family of silversmiths played a significant role in the development of British silver in the 19th century. Their work is still admired and collected today for its beauty, craftsmanship, and historical importance.
Notable members of the Smith family of silversmiths
• George Smith Sr. (1769-1845) - Founder of the family business and one of the most renowned silversmiths of the 19th century.
• George Smith Jr. (1793-1866) - Joined the family business in 1820 and worked alongside his father to create some of the most beautiful and iconic silver pieces of the 19th century.
• William Henry Smith (1825-1891) - Son of George Smith Jr. and a successful silversmith in his own right. He was also a Member of Parliament and served as First Lord of the Admiralty from 1877 to 1880.
• Edward William Smith (1856-1933) - Son of William Henry Smith and a talented silversmith who continued the family tradition of producing high-quality silver in a variety of styles.
Examples of the Smith family's work
• The silver trowel used to lay the foundation stone of the Houses of Parliament in 1834.
• The silver cradle used for the christening of Prince Arthur, the son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, in 1850.
• The silver centerpiece commissioned by the City of London to commemorate the visit of Napoleon III in 1855.
• The silver tea set presented to Queen Victoria on her Diamond Jubilee in 1897.
The Smith family's work is on display in museums and private collections around the world. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London has a particularly fine collection of Smith silver, including a number of pieces that were commissioned by the British royal family.
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