Carrington & Co.

John Bodman Carrington was a renowned British silversmith and jeweller, known for his exceptional craftsmanship in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the 1870s, he worked in the London branch of the Birmingham firm G. R. Collins & Co., located at 130 Regent Street.

In 1880, Carrington incorporated his own company and registered his first hallmark at the Goldsmiths' Hall in London. He partnered with John Carrington, William Carrington Smith, and George Budford. The firm, Carrington & Co., quickly became famous for its high-quality silver and gold pieces, including trophy cups, tableware, and luxury dinner, tea, and coffee sets. The company also supplied these items to prominent restaurants, ships, and hotels.

In addition to their tableware, Carrington & Co. produced fine jewellery, including brooches, cufflinks, and lockets, which were highly sought after by royalty across Europe. The firm earned Royal Warrants from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Edward VII, George V, and the Russian Tsars, cementing their position as a prestigious supplier to the royal courts. Among the prestigious retailers of Carrington & Co.'s pieces were Tiffany & Co. and Cartier.

In 1903, John Bodman Carrington was honoured with the title of Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths' Company, a reflection of his prominence in the industry. However, in 1906, he retired, and W. C. Smith continued the business as the sole partner. In 1922, the firm was incorporated by Collingwood, marking the end of an era for Carrington & Co.