Important Silversmiths - Asprey & Co
The world-famous English luxury manufacturer and retailer Asprey & Co started as a small silk printing business by William Asprey in Mitcham, Surrey. Soon the company largely expanded its offering by purchasing some other firms.
By 1847 Asprey moved to its iconic premises at New Bond Street in London and established its flagship store, where one could buy all ranges of exquisite goods, from books to dressing cases with silver details.
At the International Exhibition in 1862, Asprey high-quality dressing cases won a gold medal, which brought the company a worldwide reputation for exquisite craftsmanship.
The Royal Warrant, which was awarded by her Majesty Queen Victoria the same year, just perpetuated that reputation. Since then, Asprey has received a Royal Warrant from every British monarch.
Besides dressing cases, the company produced and retailed a wide range of exclusive goods, including silver, gold, jewelry, stationery, cutlery, tableware, etc.
In the 20th century, commissions poured from all over the world and by the 1920s Asprey created them not only for British Royalty, but for foreign Royals and heads of states as well. The most sensational orders of all were the exquisite pearl necklace for Queen Mary and the teak and silver traveling trunks for the five beloved wives of the Maharaja of Patiala.
The 20s and 30s were the golden era of the Art Deco style, of which Asprey was a big adopter, many of its luxury goods from that time became iconic, such as Asprey cigarette cases, cocktail sets, travel clocks, safety razors and many more.
In 1953 Asprey honored Queen Elizabeth’s coronation by the ‘Coronation Year Gold Collection’. A dessert, coffee and liquor service was crafted in 18-carat gold, weighing almost 27 pounds. Being incredibly spectacular it was displayed at the New Bond Street shop and later on went touring around the USA.
In 1995 the 200-years family ownership of Asprey came to an end as the company was purchased by Prince Jeffrey Bolkiah of Brunei. Soon after he merged Asprey with British jewelry legend Garrard, though this glorious partnership lasted only for four years.
Today, Asprey’s Royal Warrant comes from HRH Prince of Wales for their jewelry and silver production. It still operates from the New Bond Street premises and remains one of London’s leading luxury merchants.
