Ralph Leake/John Cruttall

Both were London silversmiths working during the second half of the 1700’s.

Ralph Leake (or Leeke), London silversmith, apprenticed to plateworker Thomas Littleton 1664, free 1671. Not much is known about this fine 17th century silversmith however at some point he was working for the King’s goldsmith Sir Robert Goldsmith and he also worked with Sir Christopher Wren. He was active in the Goldsmiths Company during this career, being appointed to Livery 1685, serving as Renter Warden 1698, becoming Assistant 1703 and serving as Touch Warden 1713.

Leake left a legacy of fine silverwares, many of which are on show in museums and galleries worldwide such as:
1. silver gilt chalice and paten dated 1683-1684 in the V & A collection.
2. The Royal Hospital Chelsea has a collection of magnificent silver-gilt altar plate hall-marked 1687-8 by Ralph Leake.
3. French fountain in the Getty Museum
4. Two wine cisterns – one in the V & A, the other belonging to the Goldsmith’s Company
5. The Marquess of Winchester’s Cup, one of the outstanding pieces of the Winchester College Collection.

John Cruttall, London silversmith, apprenticed to Francis Harris 1647, turned over to Daniel Rutty 1652, free 1655. During his career Cruttall bound 18 apprentices of whom 7 became free this unusually large number signifies a very active workshop. Described by David Mitchell as “a skilled as well as honest plateworker” Cruttall was employed by the goldsmith-banker Sir Stephen Evance (who subsequently became Jeweller to the King and was knighted). Cruttall died circa 1695.