Garrard & Co. Ltd
Date of birth / Date established
1722
Person/Corporate type
Business
Biography
"The pedigree of this famous company dates back to its founder George Wickes who first entered his mark at Goldsmiths' Hall in 1722. In 1735, Wickes became firmly established when he went into business on his own. Soon after, he was appointed as goldsmith to the Prince of Wales. Each era produced pieces much sought after by antique connoisseurs of today. In 1802, the Garrard name was cemented when Robert Garrard senior took sole control of the firm. Upon his death in 1818 his sons Robert Garrard II, James and Sebastian succeeded him in the business.
The 19th century continued with a succession of famous commissions for Royalty and the aristocracy, with designs of splendour, opulence and craftsmanship. Many commissions can be found in museums, national institutions and important private collections around the world. Since 1843, when Queen Victoria bestowed the honour of Crown Jeweller on the company, Garrard has served six successive monarchs. One of the most enduring images of Queen Victoria is of her wearing a small diamond crown made by Garrard in 1870.
Garrard is particularly acknowledged for its role in connection with H.M. Tower of London. On display in the Jewel House are the most important jewels in the United Kingdom and it is an honour for Garrard to be associated with this collection. In 1911 two important commissions were undertaken: the making of Queen Mary's Crown for the Coronation; and, the Imperial Crown of India worn by King George V later that year, at the Delhi Durbar. The Coronation of 1937 heralded another important occasion for the royal jewellers. When the crown set with the Koh-i-Noor diamond was made for the late Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. The Imperial State Crown was remounted by Garrard in 1937, and then further adjusted for H.M. The Queen for the Coronation in 1953.
Ceremony and pageantry has always been a key element in the company's heritage as well as the association with great sporting events. Spectacular trophies and centrepieces display excellent examples of superb silver craftsmanship. Robert Garrard's hallmark of 1848 is found on the well-known America's Cup. Lavish hunt and horse racing testimonials in full Victorian splendour became a Garrard speciality. For modern day sports enthusiasts other presentation trophies include; the Dubai World Cup, the Cricket World Cup, the Premier League Trophy.
Garrard has a rich heritage and the challenge is to harness a unique past with modern day relevance. The "crown and G" logo takes reference from the Robert Garrard hallmark of 1822. The motif plays an integral role in the jewellery and silver collections. Likewise, the refreshing raspberry packaging used today is an updated version from a colour used last century. The re-inventive spirit lives on and the year 2002 heralded a dynamic re-launch of Garrard onto the international stage."http://www.garrard.com/heritage/
The 19th century continued with a succession of famous commissions for Royalty and the aristocracy, with designs of splendour, opulence and craftsmanship. Many commissions can be found in museums, national institutions and important private collections around the world. Since 1843, when Queen Victoria bestowed the honour of Crown Jeweller on the company, Garrard has served six successive monarchs. One of the most enduring images of Queen Victoria is of her wearing a small diamond crown made by Garrard in 1870.
Garrard is particularly acknowledged for its role in connection with H.M. Tower of London. On display in the Jewel House are the most important jewels in the United Kingdom and it is an honour for Garrard to be associated with this collection. In 1911 two important commissions were undertaken: the making of Queen Mary's Crown for the Coronation; and, the Imperial Crown of India worn by King George V later that year, at the Delhi Durbar. The Coronation of 1937 heralded another important occasion for the royal jewellers. When the crown set with the Koh-i-Noor diamond was made for the late Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. The Imperial State Crown was remounted by Garrard in 1937, and then further adjusted for H.M. The Queen for the Coronation in 1953.
Ceremony and pageantry has always been a key element in the company's heritage as well as the association with great sporting events. Spectacular trophies and centrepieces display excellent examples of superb silver craftsmanship. Robert Garrard's hallmark of 1848 is found on the well-known America's Cup. Lavish hunt and horse racing testimonials in full Victorian splendour became a Garrard speciality. For modern day sports enthusiasts other presentation trophies include; the Dubai World Cup, the Cricket World Cup, the Premier League Trophy.
Garrard has a rich heritage and the challenge is to harness a unique past with modern day relevance. The "crown and G" logo takes reference from the Robert Garrard hallmark of 1822. The motif plays an integral role in the jewellery and silver collections. Likewise, the refreshing raspberry packaging used today is an updated version from a colour used last century. The re-inventive spirit lives on and the year 2002 heralded a dynamic re-launch of Garrard onto the international stage."http://www.garrard.com/heritage/
