Important Silversmiths - Alexander Macrae
Alexander Macrae was a British silversmith active in the 2nd part of the XIX century, he worked in partnership with other important artisans, as well as on his own, producing a plethora of fine highly decorative items mainly for the British market.
A gifted craftsman, Alexander Macrae started as an independent silversmith. founding his first business in 1856 with the company's office located on 32 Bow Street, Covent Garden, London. During this early period Macrae worked under his own name and specialized in fine silverware of all kinds. His first hallmark was registered in 1866.
In 1870, Macrae partnered up with Martin Goldstein, another skilled artisan, which led to the company’s name change in 1871. The new company was listed as Macrae & Goldstein. Their exquisite pieces were in high demand all over the world due to their high quality craftsmanship and sophisticated design.
Time went by, and in 1878 the partnership was dissolved and later, in 1886, the company was sold to Cornelius Joshua Vander (1837-1904), another talented artisan and former apprentice at Macrae & Goldstein. It was Vander and then his sons, who developed the business, turned it into a limited liability company and expanded its activity across the world. C.J. Vander Ltd, Macrae’s old small business remains active nowadays.
Alexander Macrae not only manufactured silver pieces for his own company’s trade, but also supplied other firms with his magnificent items. Elkington, Hunt & Roskell are some of the names on the long list of companies supplied by Macrae’s workshop.
