Sheffield Assay Office’s 250th anniversary celebrations showcase a lasting legacy

The Sheffield Assay Office 250th anniversary celebrations drew to a close with a showstopping party on the evening of Wednesday 20 November at our premises.

The party was attended by the Lord Mayor, High Sheriff, Master Cutler, Guardians of the Standard of Wrought Plate within the Town of Sheffield, silversmiths, jewellers and friends of Sheffield Assay Office. The event was the perfect opportunity to share the fantastic work that has taken place over the last two years.

Assay Master Ashley Carson showcased objects that were commissioned to celebrate the anniversary year in 2023 - which were displayed at Millennium Gallery - generous gifts that the office received, and items commissioned to replace those stolen following the burglary in January 2023.

The Assay Master enlightened guests about the Library and Plate Collection, which began in the 1900s. The then Assay Master and Guardians agreed a small amount of money could be used to acquire books and a collection for use by the staff and Guardians.

He personally thanked Christopher Jewitt DL, Chris Heaton, Wally Hayes, Michael Fletcher and John Clark for adding to the collection, The Goldsmiths’ Company / Assay Office, The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh and Birmingham Assay Office for their most generous gifts, and the silversmiths who were involved in commission opportunities during the celebratory year. These included:

• Benjamin Ryan
• Colette Bishop
• Shinta Nakajima
• Abigail Asher Gonzo
• Helena Russell
• Rebecca Joselyn
• Jen Ricketts
• Andrew Sutherland
• Don Porritt
• Christopher Perry
• Charlotte Tollyfield

Staff at Sheffield Assay Office were also thanked for their hard work behind the scenes to make it such a special evening. The silversmiths and jewellers showcased their work in the Effingham Suite and thoroughly enjoyed speaking to guests about their designs, as well as making a few sales.

The Assay Master's speech was followed by one from Rebecca Joselyn, Designer Silversmith and new Trade Guardian of the Sheffield Assay Office.

Rebecca thanked the Assay Master and Sheffield Assay Office for the support she received through sponsorship at Sheffield Hallam University, commission opportunities, and free hallmarking in the silversmithing facilities at Yorkshire Artspace. She shared how delighted she was to have pieces in the collection.

Rebecca also spoke about opportunities she'd been given to make gifts for HM Queen Elizabeth II for her Platinum Jubilee (a sardine can) and the Coronation gift for King Charles III (a watering can), sent on behalf of the office. She concluded by thanking the office for its support to makers, not only in the city but across the UK, by providing opportunities and a platform to showcase their work.

The evening was a fitting conclusion to our 250th anniversary celebrations. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us.

The Sheffield Assay Office was established in 1773, under an Act of Parliament and today the company assays and hallmarks the precious metals - silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Sheffield Assay Office is one of only four UK assay offices who all work to uphold the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and continue to ensure consumer protection for customers purchasing precious metals.

To find out more about the whole range of services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, such as our hallmarking and analytical services, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/contact-us ,

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