George Wickes
George Wickes (b. 1698; d 1761), Royal Goldsmith, apprenticed to Samuel Wastell, free 1720. 1st marks 1721-2. 1730-35 partnership with John Craig. 1735 Wickes was appointed goldsmith to Frederick, Prince of Wales and subsequently obtained numerous commissions from royalty, aristocracy and gentry. One of Wickes’s most important works was the Pelham Gold Cup, 1736, designed by William Kent and made for Colonel James Pelham, Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales.
Much of Wickes’s work is in the exuberant Rococo style popularized by the Prince, for example the 170-piece dinner service 1745-7 made for James Fitzgerald, 20th Earl of Kildare (later Duke of Leinster; 1722-73). Such features as castwork in Wickes’ pieces are of equal quality to that made by contemporary Huguenot goldsmiths, for example Paul de Lamerie. Wickes employed a number of subcontractors, the most important of whom was Edward Wakelin, who had virtually taken control of the manufacturing side of the firm by 1747. He supplied Wickes with tableware in the Rococo style, eg the set of 1753 silver-gilt vases at Burghley House, Cambs and an unusual pair of 1755 tureens with wave-patterned and ribbed bodies. In 1750 Wickes took his former apprentice Samuel Netherton (1723-1803), and not Wakelin, into partnership. In 1760, however, on the retirement of both Wickes and Netherton, Wakelin and John Parker (apprenticed to Wickes in 1751) took over the business.
George Wickes
George Wickes (b. 1698; d 1761), Royal Goldsmith, apprenticed to Samuel Wastell, free 1720. 1st marks 1721-2. 1730-35 partnership with John Craig. 1735 Wickes was appointed goldsmith to Frederick, Prince of Wales and subsequently obtained numerous commissions from royalty, aristocracy and gentry. One of Wickes’s most important works was the Pelham Gold Cup, 1736, designed by William Kent and made for Colonel James Pelham, Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales.
Much of Wickes’s work is in the exuberant Rococo style popularized by the Prince, for example the 170-piece dinner service 1745-7 made for James Fitzgerald, 20th Earl of Kildare (later Duke of Leinster; 1722-73). Such features as castwork in Wickes’ pieces are of equal quality to that made by contemporary Huguenot goldsmiths, for example Paul de Lamerie. Wickes employed a number of subcontractors, the most important of whom was Edward Wakelin, who had virtually taken control of the manufacturing side of the firm by 1747. He supplied Wickes with tableware in the Rococo style, eg the set of 1753 silver-gilt vases at Burghley House, Cambs and an unusual pair of 1755 tureens with wave-patterned and ribbed bodies. In 1750 Wickes took his former apprentice Samuel Netherton (1723-1803), and not Wakelin, into partnership. In 1760, however, on the retirement of both Wickes and Netherton, Wakelin and John Parker (apprenticed to Wickes in 1751) took over the business.
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1750
George Wickes
8704 Antique George II Cast Silver Salver by George Wickes
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A fine antique sterling silver tray raised on cast shaped feet with vine leaf and grape detail. Useful size and heavy weight. The salver has a plain centre and fine quality cast and pierced silver border with face masks, shells and vine leaf ornament. Weight 1597 grams, 51.3 troy ounces. Diameter 38 cms. Height 3 cms. London 1750. Maker George Wickes.
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1730
George Wickes
9714 George II Antique Silver Salver
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An early English sterling silver salver of square form raised on shaped feet. This small size, often known as a waiter, is perfect for standing a wine bottle or glass. Uninscribed. Good colour. Weight 288 grams, 9.2 troy ounces. Width 19 cm. Height 3.4 cm. London 1730. Maker George Wickes.
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1744
George Wickes
9846 George II Antique Silver Candlesticks
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An excellent pair of antique silver candle holders of impressive size and heavy cast weight. Plain design with knopped columns and shaped bases. Good original colour. The nozzles are original and rare for this early date. There is a matching crest engraved to each base and nozzle. Total weight 1601 grams, 51.4 troy ounces. Height 26cm. Base 13cm. London 1744. Maker George Wickes. Sterling silver.
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1741
George Wickes
9951 George II Antique Silver Salvers
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A fine pair of antique sterling silver salvers with shaped borders and scroll feet. Hand engraved to the centre is a contemporary armorial within a decorative cartouche. The inside border is beautifully hand chased with shells and scrolls. These small size trays are often referred to as waiters and are ideal for use with small objects such as glasses and bottles. Total weight 728 grams, 23.4 troy ounces. Diameter 18.9cm. Height 2.2cm. London 1741. Maker George Wickes, Royal goldsmith. Sterling silver.
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