A mid century modernist silver condiment set by Robert Welch

For sale is this rare early Robert Welch condiment set dated 1959 and 1960.  Silver by Welch from his early days in Chipping Campden is rarely seen on the market. He made his first commission in 1955 and, together with his workshop manager John Limbrey who joined him in 1958, he made very few pieces, prior to 1965.  Most of his silver dates from after this point when he began a partnership with Heal’s and used more commercial techniques like spinning to produce silver.

The design of these pepper and salt are seen in later, spun, silver by Welch but these are hand made pieces representing Welch’s distinctive 1950’s British design.  The accompanying condiment dish with correct spoon appears to be a unique design.  The spoon has an unusual handle which seems to be designed so that the spoon sits well within the bowl.

These pieces were all acquired together and I am sure are an original set.  The pepper, salt and spoon are dated 1960, the condiment dish 1959.  Each carries Welch’s early and rarely seen oval vertical RW sponsor’s mark.

For more information on these silversmiths and silver of this period see “Designer British Silver” by John Andrew and Derek Styles.

The set is made of an excellent gauge of silver and in near perfect condition with just some pepper and salt staining to the holes at the tops.  The salt and pepper screw base stoppers are also sterling silver with correct part marks.

Maker: Robert Welch

Designer: Robert Welch

Date: 1959-60

Marks: RW, Birmingham, date letters “k”, “l”

Material: Sterling silver

Condition: Excellent

Size: Salt/pepper height 12.25 cm, condiment dish width 9.5cm, spoon length 9cm

Weight : 233 grams, 8.2 oz total

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Stock number