Mappin & Webb

Mappin & Webb on Regent Street in London (2011)

Mappin & Webb was founded in 1775 when Jonathan Mappin opened a Sheffield based silver workshop, with the mission to create the most beautifully crafted silverware for affluent English society.

History

As a natural progression from silverware, Mappin & Webb created jewels for royal courts across the globe, from the Queen of France Marie-Antoinette, to the Empress of Siam and Princess Grace of Monaco. The brand historically held Royal Warrants to both the Russian Empire and the Japanese Royal Household.

Queen Victoria was the first Monarch to commission Mappin & Webb. Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee necklace was created by the house in 1888 and was designated by the Monarch as an heirloom of the crown.

Royal Warrant holders since 1897 and marking some of England’s most significant cultural moments, Mappin & Webb is proud to maintain warrants to both Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

The company’s longstanding royal connection was further cemented by the appointment of Mappin & Webb’s master craftsman in 2012, to the position of Crown Jeweller. The Crown Jeweller is the custodian of the Crown Jewels and is responsible for preparing them for the State opening of Parliament and other state occasions. The appointment of Mappin & Webb’s craftsman to the role of Crown Jeweller is a great honour for the British brand.

International development and current day

The first Mappin & Webb store opened in 1860 at 77-78 Oxford Street, London and with this the company’s candelabras, lifestyle, fine silverware and vanity products fast gained renown. The 1890s then spearheaded four decades of expansion for the brand.

Mappin & Webb's first overseas store was established in Johannesburg and stores soon followed in Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo, Biarritz, Hong Kong and Shanghai, Cairo and Bombay.

After a brief spell in the Asprey Garrard group, today the company forms part of the successful retail group Aurum Holdings.[1] It continues to be known worldwide for its classic silverware, elegant fine jewellery collections and as a retailer of luxury timepieces. Mappin & Webb boutiques offer timepieces from some of the most prestigious Swiss watch houses, including Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Patek Philippe and Omega to name but a few.

The brand also has a strong sporting heritage: it produced the original Ryder Cup and created trophies for the Royal Ascot for 75 years.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.mappin-and-webb.co.uk/ourhistory.html

External links

Media related to Mappin & Webb at Wikimedia Commons