Makers & Designers

Joseph Willmore came from a well established family of silversmiths, his grandfather was Thomas Willmore (an original member of the Birmingham Assay Office). Joseph incorporated his grandfather's business upon his death in 1816 in addition to his own registration from 1806 until his death in 1855. Registered as a snuff box maker, Willmore became quickly renowned for his elaborately detailed and novelty pieces, especially those with castle top lids. His apprentice was the famed London based silversmith George Unite, who became a renowned craftsman in his own right throughout the mid and late Victorian period.