Howell, James & Co

Howell, James & Co – were well known silversmiths and jewellers based in Regent Street, London operating between 1819 and 1911.

Starting off as silk mercers and retail jewellers, they rapidly expanded, employing some 140 women who lived over the shop, reputedly each having their own room!

They stocked high quality items including some from designers and students of the South Kensington School.

Exhibiting in London in 1851 and 1862, Paris in 1867 and again in London in 1871 and 1872 their work met with enthusiasm, and they opened additional display rooms at their premises in Regent Street. Showing jewellery by F. Leighton, L.F. Day, C.L. Eastlake and M.D. Wyatt they also went on to host popular ceramics exhibitions showing works painted by amateurs.

Their stand for the Paris Exhibition in 1878 was designed by L.F.Day a contributor, along with Thomas Harris, of designs for Aesthetic Movement clocks.

Silver goods by J. Dixon & Co and goods from Dressers Linthorpe Pottery and the Brannam Pottery were also stocked between 1880 and 1889. In 1881, their Regent Street premises were reconstructed to incorporate galleries for art pottery. The business was finally closed in 1911.