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Matthew Boulton Silverware for Birmingham Auction

Last Updated on Saturday, 22 May 2010 10:40 Written by a2e Saturday, 22 May 2010 10:40

An historical homecoming for one of Birmingham’s most accomplished silversmiths will take place on Monday 24th May as two pieces of Matthew Boulton silver await the hammer at auctioneers, Fellows & Sons.

A son of a buckle maker, Matthew Boulton (1728 – 1809) aspired to be a great gentleman and went on to become one of the most extraordinary men in the history of silver. A keen scientist and entrepreneur, Boulton expanded his father’s business considerably and together with his business partner John Fothergill opened the Soho Manufactory, one of the earliest factories in Birmingham.

The fascinating yet fraught partnership of Boulton and Fothergill saw superb silver and Sheffield plate being produced ranging from modest silver buttons and snuff boxes for the aspiring working classes to candlesticks and candelabrums for the emerging bourgeoisie.

In a bid to avoid his fine creations being copied by long standing rivals in London, Boulton saw a successful parliamentary act passed in 1773 which allowed him to establish an assay office in the heart of Birmingham allowing local silversmiths to prosper away from the capital.

Changing trends in decorative arts in the 18th century saw a new direction in silver design towards the clean lines of neo-classicism and the re-imagining of ancient architecture.

This flourishing craftsmanship is skilfully displayed in the George III silver trophy cup which is hallmarked Birmingham 1793 and set to be a highlight of the upcoming sale.

Estimated between £500 and £800 the trophy cup of traditional form has twin leaf mounted handles, beaded details and a decorative detailed rim.

Measuring 22cm and weighing 975 grams, the cup with gilt interior is an elegant example of Boulton’s technique for creating fine items of silver in beautiful ornamental form.

The second lot expected to draw interest is a pair of silver plated candlesticks made by the Matthew Boulton Plate Company which are estimated between £300 and £500. Measuring 24.1 cm in height, the candlesticks are each raised above a circular footed base with leaf mounted reeded columns and detachable nozzles further emphasising the clean lines and proportions of the classical embellishments which enhanced Boulton’s craft.

Stephen Whittaker, Managing Director, Fellows & Sons said: “These fine examples were created over 200 years ago at a time when new wealth was emerging from the Industrial Revolution. They were extremely desirable then and are still highly sought after today”.

Dr. Sally Baggott, Curator, The Birmingham Assay Office said: “The Birmingham Assay Office was established in 1773, largely due to the efforts of Matthew Boulton, and he did a great deal to build Birmingham’s reputation and put it on the international map. Boulton’s working life began in his father’s toy and button making business yet he went on to become one of the great silversmiths of the late eighteenth century. His work is exemplary of the neo-classical style; simple, elegant and appealing to modern taste.”

These examples of Mathew Boulton silver will feature in the Silver, Plated Ware, Coins & Medals auction held on Monday 24th May at Fellows & Sons in Birmingham.