Hukin and Heath- Stevens and Williams Claret Jug 1893

Famous for their pure silver and electroplated furnishings and objects, Hukin & Heath is known all over the world. Collectors of the British manufacturer’s alluring decorative objects and other wares are quite familiar with the exceptional quality associated with the brand as well as with Hukin & Heath’s distinctive trademark, which features the initials "H & H," paired with the form of an eagle taking flight. 

Silversmiths Jonathan Wilson Hukin and John Thomas Heath established the firm in Birmingham in 1855. The company didn't register its silver mark until 1879 but had already erected a number of showrooms in London by that time. From sterling silver oil lamps to jugs and other vessels, the firm produced an array of elegant but useful items to meet just about any need in the home. Aficionados probably know the company primarily for its electroplated replications of Persian and Japanese goods.

The firm saw enough success to keep them in business even during periods of economic strain. Hukin & Heath’s good fortune skyrocketed in 1878, when they entered into collaboration with notable British designer and design theorist Dr. Christopher Dresser — recognized as one of the key figures in the Art Nouveau style, which, in its sinuous lines and flamboyant curves inspired by the natural world reflected a desire for freedom from the stuffy social and artistic strictures of the Victorian era. Dresser’s comely serveware and other items in electroplated nickel silver typically featured a reproduction of his signature alongside the manufacturer’s maker’s mark.

The company registered a number of Dresser’s designs with the H & H trademark in that timeframe. After they parted ways around 1881, Hukin & Heath continued to produce Dresser's designs. Unfortunately, the manufacturer’s design books containing his creations were destroyed before the firm closed permanently in 1953.

Find antique Hukin & Heath Sheffield silverplate, lighting and decorative objects.

Acclaimed for exceptional and exquisite decorative glass vases, crystal serveware and other ornamental objets d’art, glassmaker Stevens & Williams was at the forefront of British glass design from the 19th to early 20th centuries.

Though the company began to take shape in 1776, Stevens & Williams Ltd. was formally established in 1847 in Brierley Hill in the West Midlands of England by entrepreneurs William Stevens and Samuel Cox Williams. During this period and into the late 19th century, demand was high for attractive, mass-produced glass, with imports providing strong competition for British glassmakers. Determined to produce glass products that were “a cut above the rest,” Stevens & Williams focused on creating unique and innovative glassware of unparalleled quality.

Led by master glassmaker John Northwood, Stevens & Williams became known in the 1870s for its hallmark colored glass. In 1880, the company garnered more attention when Northwood encouraged 17-year-old Frederick Carder to join the firm as a draftsman and designer. Despite Carder’s young age, Northwood recognized his prodigious talent for cameo work, engraving, cutting and intaglio, skills which would contribute to some of Stevens & Williams’ most beautiful glass and crystal pieces.

Toward the turn of the century, Stevens & Williams expanded from a traditional Victorian style to include elements of Japonisme and Art Nouveau, styles that particularly influenced Carder. 

Northwood continued to work for the company until his death in 1902. A year later, Carder left for the United States, where he became famous for cofounding Steuben Glass Works in Corning, New York.

Stevens & Williams had considerable success in the early 20th century. In 1919, King George V awarded the firm its first Royal Warrant. In the 1930s, it was renowned for its Art Deco-style centerpieces, barware and other glass pieces. Stevens & Williams continued production until 1967. In 1968, the company’s name was changed to Royal Brierley Crystal.

Today, Stevens & Williams’ legacy lives on as one of England’s most revered glassmakers. Glass and crystal bearing the Stevens & Williams mark continue to be highly prized by collectors around the world.

On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique and vintage Stevens & Williams decanters, serveware and glass and decorative objects.