Makers & Designers

William Eaton, born in 1788, specialized in the manufacturing of flatware and began his career as an apprentice to his father, a bucklemaker, in 1802. He registered his first mark at Goldsmiths' Hall in May 1813, distinguishing himself from his father, whose marks were registered earlier in 1781 and 1784. Eaton’s workshop initially operated from 30 Addle Street before relocating to 6 Jewin Crescent in 1825. The business expanded further in 1828 by acquiring the premises of Eley & Co. at 2 Lovell’s Court, Paternoster Row. After William Eaton's death in 1856, his business was continued by his widow, Elizabeth, and son, John. In 1866, Eaton’s company was acquired by Henry Holland & Son, which eventually became Holland, Aldwinkle & Slater, later merging with renowned firms like George Adam’s Chawner & Co. and Robert Hennell & Sons. The legacy of William Eaton’s flatware continued under Francis Higgins & Sons Ltd in the 1920s before passing to C.J. Vander Ltd.