Makers & Designers

Strauss & Co’s decorative arts department has handled a worldly list of makers and designers specialising in furniture making, jewellery, silver, glass, porcelain and other artisanal trades.

Strauss & Co’s decorative arts department has handled a worldly list of makers and designers specialising in furniture making, jewellery, silver, glass, porcelain and other artisanal trades. This searchable database lists prominent makers and designers sold by Strauss & Co, including René Lalique, Gio Ponti, Patrick Mavros, as well as coveted houses like The Barnards and Tiffany & Co.



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Lawrence Holme Twentyman

Cape Colony 


Active c.1818-1837

Lawrence Holme Twentyman was born on 5 May 1793 in Liverpool, the son of John Middleton Twentyman and
Phoebe Holme. Trained as a clock and watchmaker, he arrived at the Cape on 12 June 1818 aboard the Ann, and in
his petition to the Cape Governor described himself as a qualified professional in that trade. He married Betsy
Burre l on 24 March 1821, and the couple had three children. In 1832, the family received permission to leave the
Cape. Twentyman returned to the Cape for short stays in 1835, 1837, 1844, and 1846. He died on 8 June 1852 and
was buried at Highgate Cemetery in London. From 1818 to 1832, Twentyman operated as a silversmith, watchmaker,
and jeweller in Cape Town, mainly from 30 Heerengracht and surrounding addresses. His business evolved
significantly during this time, from selling silver, watches, and jewellery at the corner of Waal Street and the
Heerengracht in 1818, to managing a Sheffield silverplate warehouse by 1831. After 1832, the firm became known
as Twentyman & Co., and later, Twentyman and Warner (1842–1844), shifting focus to general mercantile trade. His
businesses continued under various names until 1887, although references to silversmithing and watchmaking
ceased after 1837.

Stephan Welz (1976) Cape Silver and Silversmiths, Cape Town, AA Balkema


38 lots offered      76.32% sold      ZAR 376 375
 

  Including Premium and VAT Results include Buyer's Premium and VAT
A Cape silver two-handled sweetmeat dish, Lawrence Holme Twentyman, c.1818-1837
9 Jul 2025
Starting at ZAR 27 000
A Cape silver double beaker, Lawrence Holme Twentyman, c.1818-1837
9 Jul 2025
Starting at ZAR 72 000
A Cape silver spectacle case, Lawrence Holme Twentyman, c.1818-1837
9 Jul 2025
Starting at ZAR 12 000
A Cape silver snuff box, Lawrence Holme Twentyman, c.1818-1837
9 Jul 2025
Starting at ZAR 4 000
A Cape silver fiddle pattern ladle, Lawrence Holme Twentyman, c.1818-1837
9 Jul 2025
Starting at ZAR 9 000
A set of twelve Cape silver King's pattern forks, Lawrence Holme Twentyman, c.1818-1837
9 Jul 2025
Starting at ZAR 12 000
A Cape silver snuff box, Lawrence Holme Twentyman, c.1818-1837
9 Jul 2025
Starting at ZAR 4 000
Four Cape fiddle pattern silver tablespoons, in sizes, Lawrence Holme Twentyman, c.1818-1837
9 Jul 2025
Starting at ZAR 5 000
A Cape silver fiddle pattern spoon, Lawrence Holme Twentyman, c.1818-1837
9 Jul 2025
Starting at ZAR 2 000
A Cape silver basting spoon, Lawrence Holme Twentyman, c.1818-1837
9 Jul 2025
Starting at ZAR 2 000
Three Cape silver 'Fiddle' pattern dinner forks, Lawrence Holme Twentyman, 19th century
21 Feb 2022
Sold for ZAR 4 690
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
A Cape silver 'Fiddle' pattern soup ladle, Lawrence Holme Twentyman, 19th century
11 Oct 2021
Sold for ZAR 4 104
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT