Ralph Leake
Ralph Leake (or Leeke), London silversmith, apprenticed to plateworker Thomas Littleton 1664, free 1671. 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.
Leake’s workshop took on 9 apprentices during his busy career.
An earlier Ralph Leake, maybe a cousin, was apprenticed to the King’s goldsmith-banker Sir Robert Vyner (and Lord Mayor of London) in 1645, free by service in 1656. Leake also worked with Sir Christopher Wren.
Ralph Leake
Ralph Leake (or Leeke), London silversmith, apprenticed to plateworker Thomas Littleton 1664, free 1671. 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.
Leake’s workshop took on 9 apprentices during his busy career.
An earlier Ralph Leake, maybe a cousin, was apprenticed to the King’s goldsmith-banker Sir Robert Vyner (and Lord Mayor of London) in 1645, free by service in 1656. Leake also worked with Sir Christopher Wren.
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Circa 1680
Ralph Leake
8895 Charles II Silver Tazzas
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A fine pair of early English sterling silver footed salvers with a thick reeded border. Hand engraved to the centre of each is an armorial engraved within plumage feathers (the marital arms of Banks and Dethick*). You can still see the hand hammered finish on the feet. Total weight 758 grams, 24.3 troy ounces. Diameter 23.5 cms. Height 6 cms. Makers mark only stamped to the top of each for Ralph Leake (Jacksons page 137). Circa 1680.
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1700
Ralph Leake
8937 Antique William III Silver Dinner Plates
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A rare set of 12 antique silver plates of plain design with a broad rim. Britannia standard silver*. Each has a hand engraved coat of arms for Stanley impaling Sloane. Lovely patina and excellent original condition. This is the earliest form of plate you can hope to find in a dozen set. Weight 5,311 grams, 170 troy ounces. Diameter 24.2 cms (outside rim), 16 cms (inside rim) London 1700. Maker Ralph Leeke (or Leake).
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