Birmingham Silversmiths: the Taylors

Image: Advertisement for J Taylor, Gold and Silversmith, Jeweller, Tortoiseshell and Ivory Box and Toy Manufacturer, Birmingham. J Bisset, Bisset’s Magnificent Guide or Grand Copper Plate Directory for the Town of Birmingham…(Birmingham, Printed for the Author by R Jabet, 1808). This illustrated trade card is for Joseph Taylor. The engraving represents a tomb, with a cherub and an angel to the right and left. In the background, the ship symbolises the firm’s trading links overseas and the elephant the source of ivory. In the foreground are jewellery boxes, gold and silver items and a tortoise. Tortoiseshell was a raw material for Taylor’s business.

Image from: Local Studies and History, Birmingham Central Library.

Joseph Taylor (1767-1827) is recorded in marks in the register of Birmingham Assay Office from 1773 to 1801. His work initial work seems to have been making watch cases, but he also produced smallwork such as caddy spoons and vinaigrettes. In 1813 he became a Guardian of the Assay Office. His trade card is illustrated in Bisset’s Magnificent Directory where he is described as “J Taylor, Working Gold and Silversmith, Jeweller, Tortoisehell and Ivory Box, Gilt and General Toy Manufacturer, 35 Newhall Street, Birmingham…” Taylor also had a showroom in Bouverie Street, London and left £18,000 in his will. After his death his brother, John and brother-in-law, John Perry took over the business.