Charles Wright (London) silversmith

Charles Wright was an 18th-century silversmith active in London. He was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, in 1730, the son of Thomas Wright, a carrier. He was apprenticed to Thomas Whipham, a silversmith, in 1747, and was granted his freedom in 1754. Wright worked in partnership with Whipham for several years, and their mark, "TW&C", can be found on a number of pieces of silver from the mid-1750s. In 1775, Wright went into business on his own, and his mark, "CW", can be found on silver from that date onwards.

Wright was a highly skilled silversmith, and his work is characterized by its fine craftsmanship and elegant design. He specialized in hollowware, such as cups, tankards, tea and coffee pots, and sauceboats. His work is often decorated with gadrooning, fluting, and cast floral and animal motifs. Wright was elected to the Goldsmiths' Company livery in 1758, and more... served as warden of the company from 1783 to 1785. He retired from business in 1790, and died in 1815.

Some of the most notable pieces of silver by Charles Wright include a tankard, made in 1767, which is decorated with in relief animals in a traditional English scene; a coffee pot, made in 1768, which is a truly exceptional and a cup and cover, made in 1770, which is now in the collection of the British Antique Dealers' Association.

Wright's work is highly sought after by collectors, and his pieces can fetch high prices at auction. He is considered to be one of the finest silversmiths of his day, and his work is a testament to his skill and artistry. less...