Rachel O'Keefe-Coulson
Rachel O’Keefe-Coulson is also known as AC Silver’s ‘Silver Lady’. Rachel spends her days handling antique silverware and processing these items for display on the AC Silver website. Rachel will enlighten our readers with posts of a silver theme.
Hester Bateman the Female Silversmith
The silversmith profession appears to be dominated by males, however I soon began to unearth the female silversmiths. From Elizabeth Eaton/Jones/Cooke to Mary Chawner, like a beautiful blossom at the beginning of spring my eyes opened to the ladies of the prior centuries getting involved in this time honoured craftsmanship. I did however chose my […] ...Read More...
The AC Silver Animal Shelter
According to statistics within Britain, most people do not feel adulthood begins until the age of 29; with more ‘young adults’ staying at home with their parents, wanting to travel the world and being unenthusiastic in their career planning. I personally like to keep up to date with statistics and as I am now 30 […] ...Read More...
Georg Jensen Flatware Patterns
At AC Silver we have been privileged in the past to have been able to include many pieces of Georg Jensen silverware, from brooches to mugs. If you are a regular reader of our blogs you may have noticed I have a minor obsession with spoons, which I am not afraid to admit – in […] ...Read More...
Wedding Gift Suggestions
Over the years there have been many different customs regarding wedding gifts. The bride’s dowry/price was paid to her family through land, animals and other forms of historical wealth; the wedding itself would be considered exclusively as an occasion to celebrate and gifts would not be given. From the Renaissance period, ornate marriage chests were […] ...Read More...
More than a Planished Finish – Planished Silver
You may have observed on our website that a wide range of items can be seen to have a planished finish. The word planished is taken from the Latin word ‘Planus’ which translates roughly as ‘flat’. This word is accurate in its definition as it describes the process of finishing a piece by shaping sheet […] ...Read More...
King’s Pattern Cutlery
Throughout my learning experience at AC Silver the battle of the “King’s shape”was one of the most joyful to conquer. I joined the team with no understanding of the base shape or form of cutlery and looked for sources to educate myself so I could ‘hold my own’ in a detailed discussion. After some wrong […] ...Read More...
The AC Silver Circus
Almost four years ago I wrote a blog describing a conversation I had with a colleague in regards to what life would be like if we owned an ‘AC Silver Coffee House’. While my imagination roamed out once more it was under discussion with my colleague Gemma that life is like a circus, it is […] ...Read More...
Entertaining With Silverware
When discussing my job with family members, friends and even strangers I am often asked the same question “do many people still use silverware”. Each time I explain that not only is silverware still a popular choice for collections there are many whom opt for silverware for not only special occasions but daily use. Personally […] ...Read More...
Impressive Makers Marks
I have been employed with AC Silver almost six years and in that time I have seen a lot when it comes to antique silverware. Daily new pieces are brought into our inventory and it is still my privilege to observe the hallmarks and determine all the history of each and every piece. I have […] ...Read More...
The Freedom of a Casket
What is a Casket? Often confused with a funerary box a casket is a decorative box that is commonly smaller than a chest. In the present day they are used to contain jewellery and trinkets, therefore are popular gifts and purchases to be used on dressing tables and even sideboards. Traditionally the casket was used […] ...Read More...
