Two elegant silver teapots from the early 1800s have arrived in our saleroom – shining the spotlight on a rich Derbyshire heritage sometimes forgotten.
Silver is not something the county is renowned for but the area has been home to makers whose wares have adorned the richest and most ornate dining tables.
There was a time when silver was the must-have dining accessory when it came to cutlery, platters, soup tureens and, of course, tea sets.
The demand for such wares may have dampened but silverware by renowned makers still smashes estimates at auction. In our September sales a silver Arts and Crafts bowl made in 1900 by Gilbert Marks (1861-1905) soared to £5,000 and sparked a battle between six phone bidders.
Marks’ work was characterised by being unpolished and unturned, so still showing tool marks. His designs, produced by hand, were decorated with repoussé subjects from nature, such as flowers, fruit and leaves.
As is so often the case, Marks hailed from the London area but the makers of our two teapots, Rebecca Emes and Edward Barnard, had Derby or Derbyshire roots and family. The teapots, dated 1818 and 1822, would originally have been part of a set featuring a milk jug and sugar bowl.
This small silver powder bowl by Gilbert Marks sold for £5,000.
We only have the teapots to enjoy now but what splendid examples of high-quality silverware they are. Both are quite feminine in design and one bears a family crest. Both would have been commissioned by wealthy families. It’s easy to picture them gracing an elegant parlour in the Regency/Georgian era, brought out for guests to enjoy tea in style.
Style and silver are two words that go hand in hand. If you watched the TV show Inside The Ritz, you might recall that silver was de rigueur in the dining room. Its heavyweight quality and sumptuous shine simply can’t be matched.
But it was the polishing that led to silver’s decline as an everyday must-have item. People were often given silver as wedding presents but polishing the family silver was regarded as a chore. Silver can tarnish and deteriorate. However, my silver specialist Victoria Sheppard says many people fail to realise that if they polish their silver then seal it away in a plastic bag it will remain perfect until its next use.
Let’s return to Derbyshire’s silver heritage. John Emes, born in Derby in 1764, became known for his exquisite silverware. He became an apprentice in 1778, aged 14.
It’s likely he learned his trade with William Woolatt, of Green Street, London. By 1786 John had his own business. From 1796-98, he was in partnership with Church Broughton-born Henry Chawner. After that he worked alone until 1808 when he died at the age of 44, probably suddenly as he’d made no will.
This is where the maker of our silver teapots comes into the story. Rebecca Emes was John’s widow and, clearly, he must have shared his knowledge and know-how as she entered her own silver mark and began making objects.
Not being a goldsmith herself, she formed a partnership with John’s former apprentice Edward Barnard and her brother-in-law William Emes.
It’s sad to think John’s premature death forced this change but good to know he passed his skills on. His heyday as a silversmith lasted only 22 years but in that time he established a reputation for making neo-classical pieces. His wares included cutlery, coffee jugs, sugar bowls and much more.
Rebecca also proved to be a success in her chosen field, particularly in partnership with Barnard. She died in 1828 but – nearly 200 years later – we still remember her thanks to beautiful silverware that bears her mark and creative style. If you’re proud of your Derbyshire heritage, you may consider buying some Emes silverware. The Rebecca Emes/Edward Barnard teapots will be sold in our October 9-11 Fine Art Auction with an estimate of £250-£350 each.
If you have any silverware tucked away in the cupboard, then why not bring it to us for valuation and potential sale? I would love to see silver make a comeback on every dining table – not just at The Ritz.
Polish up you silver for free valuation
If you have any silver to sell, email [email protected] or enjoy a free valuation at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, DE65 6LS, on Wednesdays, 5-7pm, Fridays, 10am-4pm, or Saturdays, 9am-noon.
If you’d like to enjoy an auction in grand surroundings, we’re selling the simply superb Judith Howard Collection of Mourning Jewellery, Valentines and Greeting Cards and Ephemera on Friday, September 27 at Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge, Staffs, ST17 0XN. Viewing is on Wednesday (25), 10am-4pm and Thursday (26), 11am-7pm.
Among many wonderful objects in the Judith Howard sale is what appears to be a Victorian love potion. A tiny glass bottle is adorned with the words ‘Spirit of Love’ and its box depicts a Chinese sage. It’s part of six Victorian items with a humble estimate of £60-£100. A snip for all romantics!
