Walker & Hall
British
Walker & Hall were renowned Sheffield-based silversmiths whose legacy spanned over a century, flourishing through the production of electroplated wares, fine cutlery, and silver goods. Their journey began in 1845 when John Harrison, a Britannia metalworker, secured Sheffield's first licence from Elkingtons to produce electroplated items. To master this innovative technique, George Walker was sent to Birmingham, and upon his return, he established a partnership with Samuel Coulson. The firm, initially known as Walker & Co (1845-1848) and Walker, Coulson & Hall (1848-1853), formally became Walker & Hall in 1853 when Henry Hall joined the business.
The company's early years were marked by rapid growth and ingenuity. Sir John Bingham, who joined in 1852, brought extraordinary business acumen and publicity skills. Under his leadership, Walker & Hall grew from fewer than 20 employees to an impressive 1,500 workers by 1894. While their claim that George Walker had worked alongside Dr. John Wright, co-inventor of electroplating, proved to be a myth, it showcased their ability to craft a compelling narrative.
Walker & Hall’s success extended beyond Sheffield. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they had opened showrooms across London, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Cardiff, Belfast, Hull, and Bristol, as well as internationally in Melbourne and Adelaide, Australia, and Cape Town, South Africa.
In 1920, the firm became a limited company under the name Walker & Hall Ltd. Their imposing "Electro Works" factory dominated Sheffield's skyline until it was damaged during the Sheffield Blitz of 1940. Despite setbacks, Walker & Hall rebuilt and continued operations until 1963, when they merged with Mappin & Webb and Elkington & Co to form British Silverware Ltd.
The firm ceased manufacturing in 1973 but remained a celebrated name in silverware. Later acquired as a subsidiary of Mappin & Webb Ltd under the Sears Holdings Ltd umbrella, the Walker & Hall brand endured as a testament to Sheffield’s craftsmanship, innovation, and global influence in silversmithing.
The company's early years were marked by rapid growth and ingenuity. Sir John Bingham, who joined in 1852, brought extraordinary business acumen and publicity skills. Under his leadership, Walker & Hall grew from fewer than 20 employees to an impressive 1,500 workers by 1894. While their claim that George Walker had worked alongside Dr. John Wright, co-inventor of electroplating, proved to be a myth, it showcased their ability to craft a compelling narrative.
Walker & Hall’s success extended beyond Sheffield. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they had opened showrooms across London, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Cardiff, Belfast, Hull, and Bristol, as well as internationally in Melbourne and Adelaide, Australia, and Cape Town, South Africa.
In 1920, the firm became a limited company under the name Walker & Hall Ltd. Their imposing "Electro Works" factory dominated Sheffield's skyline until it was damaged during the Sheffield Blitz of 1940. Despite setbacks, Walker & Hall rebuilt and continued operations until 1963, when they merged with Mappin & Webb and Elkington & Co to form British Silverware Ltd.
The firm ceased manufacturing in 1973 but remained a celebrated name in silverware. Later acquired as a subsidiary of Mappin & Webb Ltd under the Sears Holdings Ltd umbrella, the Walker & Hall brand endured as a testament to Sheffield’s craftsmanship, innovation, and global influence in silversmithing.
Sale
Walker & Hall
Pair of Antique English Victorian Neoclassical 3-Light Candelabra 1898
H 18 in W 15 in D 5 in
$ 4,200
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