153 - ELIZA GODFREY: A PAIR OF GEORGE II SILVER GILT CANDLESTICKS C. 1749

ELIZA GODFREY: A PAIR OF GEORGE II SILVER GILT CANDLESTICKS C. 1749 the mid 18th century George II period sterling silver gilt candlesticks cast and chased in the Rococo style, the shell and floral decorated removable drip pans over urn shaped nozzles raised on tapering stems cast with C scrolls, acanthus leaves and flowers, on shaped feet decorated with lion mask fountain heads issuing water, flanked by rocailles and C scrolls, hallmarked to underside London, 1748, maker's mark EG for Elizabeth Godfrey, candlesticks and drip pans engraved with the crest of a bishop holding a flag beneath a baron's coronet, 1985g (63.81 oz.t.) in weight, un-weighed, 26cm high (2) Elizabeth (also known as Eliza) Godfrey was considered to be the most outstanding woman goldspmith of her generation. She became the leading female silversmith of her day, producing important commissions for her aristocratic patrons such as this important pair of silver gilt candlesticks engraved with a baronial crown. Elizbeth's father was the highly respected Huguenot goldsmith Simon Pantin (1666-1733); and although she did not undertake a formal apprenticeship, it is likely she learnt her skills in his prestigious workshop. She later married fellow London goldsmith Abraham Buteaux (1698–1731) in 1721 which would have allowed her to continue her trade. That same year the couple established their business in Green Street before relocating to Norris Street in 1731. However, their partnership was short-lived, as Abraham died only a few months later. At the time, Eliza was three months pregnant, but she continued to operate the business independently, registering her own widow's mark under the name Elizabeth Buteux. Their surviving silverwork reflects the influence of her father Simon Pantin, consisting primarily of relatively simple cups, other hollowware and salvers. In 1732, while seven months pregnant with Abraham's child, Eliza married for a second time, to Benjamin Godfrey (1699–1741), a London jeweller whose premises were situated nearby in Norris Street. Benjamin came from a prosperous English family and continued to run both the jewellery business and the silversmithing premises. In 1741 Elizabeth registered a second widow's mark following the death of her second husband, this time as Elizabeth Godfrey. She continued working for many years, remaining active until at least 1766. Her reputation was built upon the exceptional quality of her silver and the elegance of her designs. Her trade card promoted her as a "Goldsmith, Silversmith and Jeweller to the Duke of Cumberland". In between producing exceptional silver, Elizabeth had ten children, five of whom survived into adulthood. In an industry largely dominated by men, Elizabeth and a small number of other women managed to build respected and prosperous careers. Records held by the Goldsmiths' Company identify 63 women working as silversmiths between 1697 and the Victorian period.