Makers & Designers

The origins of Martin, Hall & Co. trace back to 1820 when Henry Wilkinson and John Roberts established the partnership Wilkinson & Roberts in Sheffield. After Wilkinson left in 1836, Roberts continued alone until 1846, when he formed a new partnership with his apprentice Ebenezer Hall, calling it Roberts & Hall. In 1854, the firm expanded further with the addition of Richard Martin and Joshua Hall, becoming Martin, Hall & Co. The company became a limited liability entity in 1866 and grew into a significant player in the silversmith and electroplating industry, with factories at Shrewsbury Works and showrooms in cities including London, Sydney, and Glasgow. Known for its sterling silver and electroplated items, the firm also introduced a patented white metal called "Martinoid" for a more affordable line of products. Despite its global reach and participation in major exhibitions, the firm went into liquidation after World War I and was struck off the register in 1936.