Makers & Designers

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