Edward Barnard and John Barnard (London) silversmiths

This old established manufacturing silversmith business was started by Anthony Nelme c.1680 passing to Francis Nelme on his death in 1722. Thomas Whipham took over the business in 1739, passing it to his son Thomas Whipham jr in 1756 who took into partnership Charles Wright.

The Barnard’s involvement started in 1786 when the business was taken over by Henry Chawner; Chawner had been Edward Barnard I’s master and Barnard’s son Edward became foreman of the firm. In 1796 John Emes became a partner and after the retirement of Chawner, Emes became owner maintaining Edward Barnard II as manager. Emes died in 1808 and his widow Rebecca Emes took as partner Edward Barnard II. Rebecca Emes retired in 1829 and Edward Barnard I took over with his son Edward Barnard II, John Barnard and William Barnard, trading under the name Edward Barnard & Sons.

After the retirement more... of Edward Barnard I the firm was continued by Edward Barnard II (1846-1851), John Barnard I (1846-1868), William Barnard (1846), Edward Barnard III (1868), Walter Barnard (1868-1903), John Barnard II (1868-1903), Michael Barnard (1896-1903), Stanley Barnard (1896-1903) and Robert Dubcock (1896).

Edward Barnard and Sons created the Lily font, a large silver gilt baptismal font used in the christening services of members of the British Royal family. The Lily font was commissioned by Queen Victoria from, for the christening of her first child, Victoria, Princess Royal on 10 February 1840, her parents' first wedding anniversary.

In 1898, they moved to Fetter Lane, and in 1920, to Hatton Garden, London and the firm became a limited liability company in 1910 as Edward Barnard & Sons Ltd. In 1977 Edward Barnard & Sons Limited became a subsidiary of Padgett & Braham Ltd.1977. The business closed in 2003. less...