Elkington & Co

Elkington & Co. was a pioneering British silversmith and electroplating firm founded in Birmingham during the early 19th century. Under the direction of George Richards Elkington and his cousin Henry, the company patented and developed the electroplating process around 1840, allowing silver to be deposited onto base metals and producing beautifully finished pieces at a more accessible cost. Their innovation quickly made them an influential name in the silver industry—they exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and held royal warrants from successive British monarchs, confirming their reputation for high-quality craftsmanship. Beyond plating, Elkington & Co. also produced sterling and electrotype silverwares, with many of their catalogues and plate marks preserved in museums and archives. Collectors today value Elkington & Co. pieces for both their technical significance and aesthetic quality. Whether it’s a finely chased silver salver, a tea set, or a decorative electroplated object, each piece represents a key moment in the evolution of modern metalworking. Elkington & Co. remains a celebrated name in the history of British silver for its blend of artistry, innovation, and industrial skill.