Lambert & Co

Lambert & Co. was a prestigious silversmithing firm based in England, operating between 1803 and 1916. The company produced a vast array of fine silver pieces, earning numerous accolades and worldwide recognition. The firm was run by hereditary silversmiths, the Lamberts, along with their partners, and was esteemed among the foremost silversmiths of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The company was founded in 1803 by Francis Lambert (1778–1841), who initially established a small shop at 11–12 Coventry Street, London. In its early years, the business specialised in jewellery and silver plate, catering to an elite clientele. By 1819, William Rawlings had joined the firm as a partner and manager, marking a pivotal expansion. Around this time, the company acquired its own workshop at the corner of White Hart Court, Leicester Square, where skilled artisans crafted fine silverware of various forms.

Following Francis Lambert’s death in 1841, his elder son, Francis Lambert II, succeeded him, with later leadership passing to his younger son, George Lambert. Under George’s management, the firm was officially renamed Lambert & Co. in 1868, and it was during his tenure that the company introduced its first brand hallmark. Eventually, the business passed into the hands of Francis Lambert II's four sons, who upheld the family’s legacy of excellence. In 1916, the firm ceased operations and was absorbed by Harman & Co. Ltd., continuing under the name Harman & Lambert.

Lambert & Co. participated in several prestigious exhibitions, showcasing its masterful silver pieces on an international stage. The firm exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London, where two large, partly gilt and finely chased wine flagons won an Exhibition Prize Medal. These pieces were later acquired by the Museum of Manufacturers, now known as the Victoria & Albert Museum. The company also displayed its works at the International Exhibition of 1862, further cementing its reputation for superior craftsmanship.

The firm held several Royal Warrants, supplying silverware to British royalty. Under the management of William Rawlings and Francis Lambert, the company was granted the title of 'Silversmiths to Their Majesties and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent.' This prestigious endorsement affirmed Lambert & Co.'s status among the finest silversmiths of the period.

Throughout its history, Lambert & Co. stood alongside other notable English silversmiths such as William Comyns & Sons, Asprey & Co., and Barnard & Co. With its commitment to quality and artistry, Lambert & Co. remains one of the most significant and celebrated silversmithing firms in British history, leaving behind an enduring legacy of exceptional craftsmanship.