Robert Hennell II

Robert Hennell II was part of the Hennell family ‘dynasty’ that practiced as silversmiths for the best part of 200 years.

The Hennell family business opened in London under David Hennell in 1736. Robert Hennell II was apprenticed to his uncle Robert Hennell I (the son of David Hennell) in 1778, as well as to John Houle who was an engraver.

On gaining his freedom in 1785 he is listed as working at Windmill Court in Smithfield, London as an engraver and demonstrates the fine engraving style of his uncle Robert I.

In 1808 in partnership with Henry Nutting he entered his first mark as a plateworker. When the partnership dissolved, he registered another mark in 1809 on his own account and went on to register further marks in 1820 and 1826. He retired in 1833 he announced to the London Gazette that his son Robert (III) would take over his mark.