Information Regarding William Egan & Sons of Cork

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Wm. Egan & Sons - Cork - 1904

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An image of an unknown incident occurring in Grand Parade, Cork, just outside W. Egan & Sons, involving the use of a horse-drawn ambulance:





These images are from 1911.

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Wm. Egan & Sons - Cork - 1892

32, Patrick Street, Cork. The premises of William Egan & Son, that was destroyed by fire on the night of the 11th December 1920.

Top right of illustration, the Arms of Cork, reproduced by Barry Egan for the marks on Cork Republican Silver.

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The marks 'EGAN CORK' noted on a brooch:


EGAN - CORK

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Wm. Egan & Sons, Ltd. - Cork - 1905

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A William Egan & Sons of Cork billhead from 1894:


Image courtesy of Wynyard Wilkinson

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Wm. Egan and Sons Limited - Cork - 1906

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CORK SILVER. — For several centuries the City of Cork was noted for the skill of its craftsmen in the manufacture of silver. In the Cork Records of the 15th and 16th centuries were found several references to goldsmiths, and there are a number of exquisite chalices and patens of this period preserved both in the City and County, testifying the unique skill of the goldsmiths and silversmiths of old Cork, this industry attained to considerable importance and prosperity in the 17th and 18th centuries, and several of the Master Wardens of the Goldsmith Guild were elected Mayors of Cork. After the Union it rapidly declined, and before 1850 the Guild had ceased to exist. The only piece of silver work between that date and 1910 that is known to have been made in Cork is a model of Shandon Church, made for the Exhibition of 1883 by the late Mr. Clare, foreman jeweller at Messrs. Wm. Egan and Sons, Cork. During this period Cork was entirely dependent on imported silver, and the old traditions, which had existed for so many generations, of pride of craftsmanship and excellence of workmanship, disappeared absolutely. Of the score or more of busy workshops, humming with industry, ringing to the sound of many hammers, cheery with the sound of workmen's songs, not a vestige remained.

In 1910 the late Mr. Barry Egan, head of Messrs. Wm. Egan & Sons, Ltd., who had been contemplating the revival of the Industry for some time, had a conversation with Sir Bertram Windle, President of University College, Cork, who wanted a silver mace for the College, to be made if possible in Cork. A start was made, and premises which would admit of considerable development were taken. Workmen were brought from Dublin and the necessary machinery installed.

The mace in solid silver, jewelled and enamelled with the arms of the chief towns of the Counties assigned by the Act to the College, was made in the various workshops belonging to Messrs. Egan. Very soon the fact that the firm were making their own silver ware began to spread abroad. In 1911 the Coronation Cup in solid silver, presented by His Majesty King George V. to the Cork City Regatta Committee, was made in these workshops, and many important orders for presentations, household silver, church plate, etc., came from various parts of the country.

Source: Cork, Its Trade & Commerce : Official Handbook of the Cork Incorporated Chamber of Commerce & Shipping - 1919

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Wm. Egan & Sons - Cork - 1875

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An image of Barry M. Egan (b.1879–d.3-3-1954)



This image was published in 1937.

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