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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Wm. Egan & Sons - Cork - 1925

Temporary address following the sacking of Cork: 45a, McCurtain Street, Cork.

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An example of an additional mark, representing the Arms of Cork (a ship between two single-towered castles), that was struck on occasion onto items made by William Egan & Sons:


W·E - Dublin - 1930


W·E - Dublin - 1930

Such marking is frequently confused with the marks that were applied to to Cork Republican Silver, which they are not.

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Wm. Egan & Sons - Cork - 1928

THE DE BURGO CHALICE

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Wm. Egan & Sons Ltd. - Cork - 1920

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A ciborium by William Egan & Sons, assayed at Dublin in 1930:












W·E - Dublin - 1930


W·E - Dublin - 1930

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We are reminded these days when shoppers stand fascinated at jewelry store windows, faces glued to the glass almost, eyeing the lovely silver and jewelry inside, of William Egan and Sons, Ltd., in Cork City, Ireland, whose windows once drew our attention as we ambled along Patrick Street. Egan’s in Cork, the Gorham’s of Ireland you might say, had in their windows and inside the great store (pardon us, shop) such silverware that would dazzle the eye of any passerby. Famous for many years, Egan’s specialize in ecclesiastical articles. Here you would feast your eyes on lamps, chalices, ciboria and vestments of great richness. The silversmith trade was always flourishing in Ireland, and along with the ecclesiastical goods were the usual ornate tea sets, cups and bowls and tea bells and toast racks and ornamental paper knives that so attract the visitor. Cork silver was wrought by hand, and a few years back when we stopped at Egan’s the silversmith trade in that country was flourishing. Silver and lots of it everywhere! The silver sanctuary lamps in the churches throughout the country catch the eye of the traveler right off, as compared with the gold ones of this country. ... So as we finally decide to invest a few dollars in some precious silver ornaments in the home town we pass Into one of our own well-stocked jewelry and silver stores, and the picture of Cork and its beautiful surrounding country passes from our mind. Miollainneach.

Source: Waterbury Evening Democrat - 6th December 1944

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Wm. Egan & Sons, Ltd. - Cork - 1917

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NEW PREMISES FOR MESSRS: WM. EGAN AND SONS, LTD., CORK



The new premises comprise Nos. 31 and 32 Patrick street, which are near the centre of the block between Robert street and Cook street. Before the destruction of Patrick street in 1920, Messrs. Egan occupied No. 32, No. 31 having been in the occupation of Messrs. Sunner, and by the acquisition of No. 31 Messrs. Egan have practically doubled their frontage, and have been enabled to house together their several industries, which were formerly scattered through the city.

In the new premises the ground floor contains a large showroom for silver, etc., and the first floor a showroom for ecclesiastical goods. The second floor contains the work-room where the famous embroideries and vestments are made, and the third floor the work-rooms for the silversmiths, jewellers, clock-makers, etc. At the back of the premises is a tier of offices in touch with the various departments.

The front is of white limestone, the City Arms being picked out in gold. Mahogany is used for the principal stairs, doors, etc. The silver showroom is floored with oak.

The building was erected by Mr. John Buckley, contractor and shop fitter, 18 Grattan street, Cork, to the design of Messrs. O'Flynn and O'Connor, architects, Trinity Chambers, 60 South Mall, Cork. The electric lighting, heating and power installations were carried out by Messrs. Fitzgerald and Co., 24 Merchant’s quay, Cork.

The bronze metal shop front and interior fittings were supplied by Messrs. E. Pollard and Co., Ltd., 17 South Frederick street, Dublin.

Messrs. J. and C. McGloughlin, Great Brunswick street, Dublin, carried out the ornamental wrought iron-work. Mr. P. J. Hannon, 13 Market avenue, Cork, did the painting and decorative work. The plumbing and heating was installed by Messrs. Chas. McCarthy and Sons, Emmet place, Cork.

Much of the material was supplied by Messrs. Haughtons, Ltd., timber importers, South Terrace, Cork, who are sole local distributors for beaver board, Jacobean bricks, and pyramid brand London Portland cement.

The marble work was supplied by Mr. J. A O'Connell, sculptor, Art Marble Works, Lower road, Cork.

Source: The Irish Times - 5th November 1925

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Fitzgerald & Co. - Cork - 1925

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E. Pollard & Co. Ltd. - Dublin - 1925

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