Important Silversmiths – Robert Hennell
19th Century Georgian silver Warwick tea & coffee service, of typical form on round bases, with pedestal stem and acanthus at base of bowl, the sides applied with classical heads and lions pelts, with entwining leaf handles, an ovolo dart and beaded rim. Hallmarked English silver (925 standard), London, year 1820 (e), Maker's mark for Robert Hennell III.
REFERENCE NUMBER: A4750
The firm Hennell Ltd is a long-lasting family business of silversmiths founded in 1725 by David Hennell (1712-1785). His son Robert Hennell I (1741-1811) joined the company in partnership in 1763 and became sole owner of the business after his father’s retirement. He was soon joined by his son Samuel Hennell (1778-1837) and his nephew Robert Hennell II.
After his apprenticeship with his uncle and the engraver John Houle he gained his freedom in 1785 and started working mainly as an engraver. In 1808 he entered his first mark on his own, becoming soon one of the most prolific silversmiths of the Regency period.
19th Century Georgian silver hot water samovar, inverted pair shaped on a square base, cast shell feet, profusely chased in relief with flowers, fruit and acanthus leaves, applied with large twin leaf caped handles and the large finial in complimentary style. Hallmarked English Silver (925), London, year 1821 (f), Maker H.S for Samuel Hennell.
REFERENCE NUMBER: A4821
19th Century Victorian cast candelabra centerpiece, standing on shaped base, depicting a fox hunting scene featuring huntsmen, horses and hounds, the naturalistically modelled tree stem supporting three branches decorated with oak leaves and a central openwork dish support, inscribed to the base 'Presented To John Stapylton Sutton Esq, of Elton Hall in the County of Durham by the Members of the Hurworth & Durham County Hunts and Other Friends in Consideration of His Disinterested Preservation of Foxes' the top of the centerpiece terminating with a fitted frosted cut glass bowl. Hallmarked English silver (925), London, year 1873 (S), Maker's mark R.H for Robert Hennell IV.
Reference Number: C10037
This item is eligible for the Pushkin’s Promise scheme.
The firm - based from 1817 at 3 Lancaster Court, Strand - specialised in domestic silver, salts, cruets, tea and coffee sets often delicately engraved or finely pierced.
After Robert’s retirement in 1833 his sons took over the business.
The firm is still running in London Bond Street with the name Frazer & Haws and Hennells.