William Burwash worked in London in partnership with Richard Sibley (their mark entered in 1805) and alone (his single mark entered in 1813).
English Regency Sterling Silver Octagonal Tea Tray, by William Burwash & Richard Sibley, London, 1808/09 retailed by Joseph Brasbridge, Fleet Street, London.
English Regency Sterling Silver Octagonal Tea Tray, by William Burwash & Richard Sibley, London, 1808/09
An exceptional example of English Regency silver, this tray is designed in an octagonal rectangle with a raised gadrooned edge and classical shells centering acanthus leaves at the corners.
Shell detail on English Regency Sterling Silver Octagonal Tea Tray, by William Burwash & Richard Sibley, London, 1808/09
Stunning handles are cast in a bold scrolling foliate design adorned with shells.
Handle detail of English Regency Sterling Silver Octagonal Tea Tray, by William Burwash & Richard Sibley, London, 1808/09
Adding to the classicism are four wonderful lion paw feet with scrolling volutes.
Foot detail of English Regency Sterling Silver Octagonal Tea Tray, by William Burwash & Richard Sibley, London, 1808/09
Engraved in the centre is a lovely foliate script ‘JPG’ set of initials.
William Burwash and Richard Sibley registered their partnership mark on October 7th, 1805. Arthur Grimwade in London Goldsmiths 1697-1837 Their Marks & Lives asserts (in his typical understated English way) that Sibley’s work, ‘whether alone or in partnership is of a high standard of design and execution in a restrained key of Regency taste .’
Joseph Brasbridge was one of the best retail silversmiths of his era, selling fine silver to members of the nobility including the Duke of Marlborough, The Duke of Argyle and others. Ultimately overshadowed by the royal goldsmiths Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, Brasbridge is better known today for his memoirs detailing both the history of Fleet Street and his propensity to gamble.
