Mappin & Webb - A British Treasure

Mappin & Webb is a British company founded in 1775. The silversmith workshop is renowned for timeless craftsmanship, exceptional quality, and the most tasteful designs.

Jonathan Mappin established the company in Sheffield (United Kingdom) intending to craft the most exquisite silverware in Britain. The popular silver manufacturer has been at the top of the game for more than 240 years.

To give you an idea, here’s a Mappin & Webb silver plated biscuit jar with lion-shaped handles and a finely carved floral design.

The initial Mappin & Webb store opened in 1860 on Oxford Street in London and introduced the first candelabra and fine silverware, which certainly led the brand to gain great popularity. 

To meet the needs of the ladies, the company continues to develop, selling beautiful fine jewelry with high-quality workmanship.

In 1890, Mappin & Webb expands and opens its first branch outside of England in Johannesburg, South Africa. The brand would soon grow to operate in Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Cairo, and Bombay. 

Mappin & Webb and The Royals

 Queen Victoria was the first member of the British Monarchy to commission Mappin & Webb, who created her Golden Jubilee necklace in 1888. 

 In 1897, Queen Victoria granted Mappin & Webb its first Royal Warrant as silversmiths. The firm currently holds Royal Warrants as silversmiths, goldsmiths, and jewelers from the Queen as well as silversmiths from the Prince of Wales.

 Since 2017, the head of Mappin & Web, Mr. Mark Appleby, has been appointed by the Queen herself as the official crown jeweler of the British royal family.

The brand also supplies the British army with commemorative items for official ceremonies.

Another Mappin & Web piece worth mentioning is this silver plated dumbwaiter with two trays and a handle and resting on three feet.

Other well-known proud owners of Mappin & Webb items are the French Queen Marie Antoinette, the Empress of Russia, and Princess Grace of Monaco. 

Mappin & Webb - English Brilliance and Uniqueness

Jonathan Mappin and his successors have realized Mappin's vision in ways he could never have imagined. Mappin & Webb has provided tableware and cutlery to some of the UK's most iconic landmarks, both at sea and on land, including the QE2 ocean liner and the Titanic first-class cabin. Its name has come to represent the pinnacle of silver artistry and design.

Their tasteful designs are hard to ignore, such as this silver plated and open-worked metal cup on a pedestal:
 

Today the brand continues to manufacture collections of silverware as well as jewelry ranging from all sorts of items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings made of gold and silver, covered with emeralds, diamonds, and various high-quality stones. 

Classic Pieces by Mappin & Webb

Here are a few of our favorite Mappin & Webb items.

1. Mappin & Webb candy bowl

A refined silver plated candy bowl on pedestal with scalloped border

2. Mappin & Webb round plate: 

Silver plated metal with finely serrated border engraved and decorative leaves

3. Mappin & Webb silver plated metal display plate:

4. Mappin & Webb silver plated metal tray:

A classic tray with two handles and fluted borders

Mappin & Webb’s sterling silver marks were registered in Birmingham, London and Sheffield offices.

Mappin & Webb Today

Over the years, the brand has adapted to changes and has introduced more modern designs to its collections, including engagement rings, wedding rings, and watches. 

Today the company’s creative director Elizabeth Galton has the main goal of attracting a more modern clientele, while still preserving the style and traditions of the brand's 240 years of expertise. 

Check more Silverware items.