Peter Archambo

Made in London, 1731

Maker’s Mark of Peter Archambo

Diameter: 11 in. (27.9 cm)

Weight: 29 oz. (903 gr)

The arms are those of Downes with Tully in pretence for Stephen Downes (d. 1755)

This is a magnificent round salver made in London in 1731 by one of the greatest 18th century silversmiths, Peter Archambo. It has been made to the very highest quality as one would expect with his pieces and has survived in the most beautiful original condition.

The arms are those of Downes with Tully in pretence for Stephen Downes (d. 1755), Registrar of Middlesex and Clerk of Enrollments in the Court of Chancery, and his wife Charlotte, the daughter and co-heir of James Tully Esq. of Charterhouse Square, London. Her sister and co-heir Sarah married Sir Richard Hoare, the banker and Lord Mayor of London, in 1732.

The Will of Stephen Downes of Hampton Court, Public Record Office Mss. PROB 11/817/293, dated 6 November 1752, proved on 20 August 1755, 'I give my daughter Charlotte my silver tea kettle and lamp and my salver commonly used therewith to be delivered to her by my executors'.

PROVENANCE

Stephen Downes (d. 1755), of Hampton Court, co. Middlesex, bequeathed in his will to his elder daughter,

Charlotte Downes (1744-1832).

A Gentleman; Sotheby's, London, 23 February 1967, lot 127 (£480).

With Partridge Fine Art Ltd, London.

PETER ARCHAMBO

The notable Huguenot goldsmith Peter Archambo was the English-born son of a Huguenot (Protestant) refugee from France. In 1710 he was apprenticed to the Huguenot goldsmith Jacob Margas (circa 1685–after 1730).

Huguenot silver is noted for its fine workmanship and design elements including strap work, cut card work, and cast and applied ornaments and decoration with elaborate engraving. Archambo’s work is described as French in influence, and he is credited with helping to introduce the Rococo style into England (popular circa 1725 – circa 1765). After serving his apprenticeship for ten years he became a freeman of the Butchers’ Company on 7th December 1720 (rather than the Goldsmiths’ Company which was restricting the entry of foreigners to their Guild). He first registered his mark in London in 1721, his second mark in 1722, his third mark in 1739 and is thought to have retired around 1750 and died around 1767.

Archambo’s work is characterised as in a more restrained manner than that of some of his contemporaries such as the extraordinary silversmith Paul de Lamerie. (Archambo’s son, Peter Archambo II, was initially apprenticed to de Lamerie). His work is characterised by restraint and often features marine motifs. Famously Archambo made the magnificent wine-urn chased with masks, shells and strap-work and its companion a wine-cistern commissioned by George Booth, 2nd Earl of Warrington (1675–1758) which remain in the notable collection of silver at Dunham Massey in Cheshire. The Gilbert Collection now at the Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington has a neo-classical hot-water urn and a set of three exquisite caddies with finely engraved decoration. There is also a plain ewer at the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

Another point of interest is that one of his apprentices was Thomas Heming who served at his workshop from 1735-1745. Some of Heming’s work is distinctly French in character which may be due to the influence his master. Heming was an influential and highly regarded goldsmith and from 1760-1782 he was appointed Principal Goldsmith to George III. He was responsible for many pieces of large and important silverware, including regalia and plate for the coronation of George III in 1761.