Walker & Hall - Information and Advertisements

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A Quaich by Walker & Hall, assayed at Sheffield in 1926:




W&H - WALKER & HALL/SHEFFIELD


W&H - Sheffield - 1926

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THE SHEFFIELD DISTRICT

It is not a matter strictly germane to my ordinary trade report, but I may state that the Leeds Corporation have given an order to Messrs. Walker and Hall, of Sheffield, for a complete dinner service of silver plate. The same house has also taken an order from another source for £2000 of silver spoons and forks, mostly in competition with London houses.

Source: The Engineer - 25th May 1877

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DOVER GAS WORKS MEDAL

Dover Gas-Works Reading and Recreation Room

Reference has been made in the “Journal” on many occasions to the reading and recreation room at the Dover Gas-Works, and to the excellent results, in bringing into closer relationship the Directors, officials, and workmen of the Company, which have ensued from its foundation. The object of the fund by which the room is supported is to provide instructive recreation and amusement for the members, all of whom are employed upon the works. The management of the fund is in the hands of a Committee, of which Mr. Ralph Herring, the Company's Engineer, is President, Mr. E. C. Herring the Vice-President, and Mr. H. Harman, the Hon. Secretary. An entrance fee of 1s. and a weekly subscription of 1d. entitles a member to use the room between certain hours during the day, from 6 p.m. till 10.30 p.m. in the evening, and at other times by permission. The room is provided with a lending library, books, periodicals, and games ; but, of course, no money must be played for, nor must there be any betting. Discussions are allowed on subjects which do not touch upon politics or religion. Refreshments can be purchased by members on conditions specified in the rules. About the middle of last month, the members celebrated the twenty-first anniversary of the establishment of the room ; and, in order to commemorate the event, each of the members received a nickel and silver-plated medal in a case—others in silver being presented to the Chairman and Directors of the Company. It was designed by Mr. R. Herring, and cut by Messrs. Walker and Hall, of Sheffield, under his instructions, On one side is shown the 1½ million cubic feet gasholder erected at the works a few years ago, with the words ‘‘ Dover Gas-Works Recreation Room, Established 12th December, 1887,” round the outer edge; while on the other are the names of the President, Vice-President, members of the Committee and officers, and the date of the 21st anniversary—Dec. 12, 1908. The holder, in dead silver, stands out well against a burnished background; and the names in raised letters on the reverse of the medal are distinctly arranged. The combined efforts of the designer and the firm who were entrusted with the work have resulted in the production of a very appropriate souvenir of an interesting event; and we are sure it will be treasured by its possessors not only for its own sake, but as representing twenty-one years of pleasant social intercourse, which must have had a beneficial effect on all who participated in it.

Source: Journal of Gas Lighting, Water Supply, Etc. - 26th January 1909

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Details of Walker & Hall's Dundee branch:

Walker & Hall, manufacturing goldsmiths, silversmiths, cutlers, electro-platers, and spoon and fork makers, 54 Commercial st. (Tele. No. 2106); C. H. Allan, manager; also Electro Wks., Howard st., Sheffield.

Source: The Dundee Directory - 1920

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A salver by Walker & Hall, assayed at Sheffield in 1936:






W&H - WALKER & HALL/SHEFFIELD


W&H - Sheffield - 1936

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The importance of Sheffield as a seat of manufacturing industry in England is nowhere more strikingly or more conclusively attested than at the vast electro works of Messrs. Walker & Hall. This distinguished house has been in existence about half a century, and it holds the honoured position of being the pioneer in the great art-industry with which its name is associated, the electro-deposition of gold and silver. One has only to reflect for a moment upon the universal use of electro-plate at the present day to understand what a mighty trade was originated in Sheffield some fifty years ago, when the business here under notice was inaugurated by its founder, Mr. George Walker, who was soon after joined by Mr. Henry Hall, both of whom are now deceased. George Walker, the actual founder, has left behind him a name that is never likely to be forgotten in Sheffield, and few men, even in Yorkshire, have displayed such talent, energy, and natural ability in raising themselves from a comparatively humble station in life through tenaciously working out a new invention. Certainly it falls to the lot of very few men to start so huge an industry as that of electro-plating at Sheffield, and the success he achieved in developing and improving this wonderful trade stands as convincing testimony to Mr. George Walker’s rare capabilities. Starting as a working cutler, and at the scanty wage of fifteen shillings per week maintaining himself, his mother, and two children, George Walker little knew that he was destined to be a leader in the great and entirely new industry of depositing gold and silver upon metal wares by means of electricity. He soon showed a desire to advance himself by the acquirement of technical knowledge, and in his eagerness to learn something beyond the craft to which he had been brought up, he early exhibited those traits of character — industry, application, and an indomitable resolution to make progress — which have distinguished nearly everyone who, like himself, has proved his claim to be ranked among the unassuming great men of the country.

After preparing his mind by reading such books as he could obtain, George Walker sought in earnest for the acquirement of practical knowledge, and to this end he petitioned to be admitted to the electrical classes then conducted by Mr. Branson, surgeon, who, we believe, still lives at Baslow, Derbyshire, at a very advanced age. This request was acceded to, and Walker’s instruction was to be paid for by his personal services in cleaning and keeping in order the various apparatus used for the class experiments. Mr. Wright, surgeon, of Attercliffe (then a suburb, now a part, of Sheffield), who was ultimately the inventor of electro-plating, selected George Walker to assist him in his development of the discovery, advancing his wages to twenty-five shillings per week. These two laboured so successfully together that eventually they brought into a practicable condition the great invention which was to add beauty and durability to countless articles of daily use, and to provide a means of livelihood for thousands of workpeople, nearly one thousand being employed by Walker & Hall. After leaving Sheffield for a time to perfect his knowledge, George Walker returned and entered into an engagement to work for a capitalist, but, disagreeing with his employer, he commenced operations on his own account. Being joined by Mr. Henry Hall, the two partners entered earnestly into their work, and after many nights and days of study, thought, and labour, they eventually succeeded in perfecting the art of electro-plating.

The disappointments George Walker endured were such as are inseparable from the lot of anyone who essays to develop a new idea or create a new industry. Many a time he had to persuade manufacturers to try once more his great invention, and on all such occasions he had to combat the most stubborn unbelief. Many a time the capricious silver would not adhere in the process of depositing, but fell off in flakes, or granulated into real silver sand. Many a time the solution decomposed, or deposited so roughly as to make the work far too expensive. But perseverantia omnia vincit [perseverance conquers all], and in the end success was the crown of unremitting labour. Before he died George Walker had the joy and satisfaction of seeing the art attain its present perfection, and also of seeing the firm of his prime creation achieve its position among the largest and most celebrated concerns of its kind in the world.

It is gratifying to know that this vast business remains in the hands of Mr. Hall’s nephews, men who are in every respect qualified to conduct it upon lines worthy of its founder, and who have not only maintained, but have also considerably enhanced its worldwide reputation by their zeal, energy, and technical skill. The present senior partner, Colonel John E. Bingham, J.P., entered the business at the age of sixteen, and has advanced step by step through all its grades to his present position as the senior of the concern, and is now, we believe, the oldest master electro-plater living. With him are now associated in co-partnership his brother, Mr. Charles Henry Bingham, and his son Captain Albert E. Bingham. The coming of age of the last-named gentleman was celebrated in November, 1889, by a dinner upon a remarkably large scale, at which Colonel Bingham entertained all the employes and many friends of the firm. The occasion was one of great and justifiable rejoicing, and was marked by a number of speeches in which the principals of the firm and the foremen of the several departments gave interesting reminiscences of the electro-plating trade and of the distinguished part their house has played in its origin and development. Reports of these speeches and of the proceedings in general were subsequently collected from the press and re-issued by the firm as a memento of the auspicious occasion, in the form of a neat little brochure adorned with a portrait of the junior partner.

With regard to the industrial operations of Messrs. Walker & Hall, they have developed at a rate which must have far exceeded even the most hopeful expectations of those interested in the progress of the concern. At first the attention of the house was wholly confined to electro-deposition for the manufacturers of plated wares, &c., in Sheffield and other towns; but after due consideration, Messrs. Walker & Hall commenced to manufacture on their own account, though they continue this department of electro-plating for the trade. So greatly has their industry increased and prospered since then that the weight of silver they now deposit upon their own goods far exceeds that which was ever deposited by them in former times for the united trade of the whole of Sheffield, London, and other towns. The present senior partner joined the concern when it mustered some twenty hands — to-day, the firm have in their employ nearly 1,000 workpeople, and their huge establishment, the result of many and frequent enlargements, is now one of the sights of Sheffield, particularly at night time, when its hundreds of close-set windows, emitting a ray of light from within, present a very brilliant and striking scene indeed.

It would be impossible in this brief sketch to speak in detail of the many departments of these great electro works. It must suffice to say that they are probably unsurpassed in plan, equipment, and general working resources, and that they exhibit a completeness and perfection of organization which may be fairly attributed to the broad experience and sound practical ability brought to bear by the present principals and their managers upon the general development of the business. All the machinery in use is of the most improved and effective type, and every process of the industry is carried out under the most favourable conditions, each department being managed by a trusted and experienced foreman, and supervised by the partners. Messrs. Walker & Hall manufacture every class, not only of electro-plate, but also of solid silver ware and table cutlery. Among their specialities may be mentioned such goods as epergnes and presentation plate, prize cups, shields, trophies of every description, mugs, &c., tea and coffee services and kettles, dish covers, meat and venison dishes, revolving soup tureens, and entree dishes, tea trays and waiters, cruet frames, liquor and egg frames, biscuit and sardine boxes, dessert and fish-eating knives and forks, fruit spoons, nutcracks, fish carvers, salad bowls and servers, steel table cutlery, general case goods, novelties, etc. Spoons and forks are a very special product of this noted house, and are turned out in patterns and qualities calculated to meet the most exacting requirements.

In all the above-mentioned specialities the firm maintain a standard of merit which is quite unsurpassed, and they hold very large stocks of the various goods, the exquisite design and finish of which may be seen to advantage in the warehouses and showrooms at the works, or at any of the firm’s branches. The general quality of each article is attested by the presence of the trade-mark of the house, a banner bearing the letters “W & H.” It will be observed that the present principals prefer to perpetuate the memory of the founder of the house and his partner Mr. Hall by retaining the old firm’s name and trade-mark. Messrs Walker & Hall have the highest awards it has been possible to gain at every exhibition, with one exception, which their goods have been placed in competition.

The firm now have in their possession a piece of plate partly made by royal hands, this interesting memento being the outcome of the late Prince Albert Victor’s visit to their works when he opened the Sheffield Handicraft Exhibition in 1885. That exhibition, which proved of great advantage to the trades of Sheffield, we may remark, was inaugurated by Colonel J. E. Bingham, who has twice been elected to the distinguished post of Master Cutler of Sheffield. Colonel Bingham is the popular and esteemed commander of the 1st West York Volunteers, Royal Engineers, and he is also a Justice of the Peace for the Borough of Sheffield. He and his co-partners are greatly respected in the town, not only as the heads of a great business concern whose trade extends all over the world, but also as gentlemen who have ever taken an active and beneficial interest in the welfare of Sheffield, its people, and its industries. The frequent presentations made to the partners of this great firm by their workpeople, testify to the good will which always has been and still continues to be one of the chief pleasures of the principals’ business relationship with their managers, foremen, and all in their service. Another proof of this good feeling is shown by the fact that the firm has recently propounded an old-age and long-service pension scheme which has been commented upon by all the leading papers in the country. The following extract from the “Times” briefly states the details of this scheme:- “Messrs Walker & Hall, electro-platers of Sheffield, have just brought forward a scheme which will secure provision for their employes after a certain period of service. On Monday evening the workpeople employed by the firm assembled in the yard of the manufactory and were addressed by Mr. J. E. Bingham, who explained the scheme. It is to be under the management of a committee, consisting of eight persons, four to be appointed by the heads of the firm and four by the workpeople. In order to receive benefit a man or woman must have been in the employ of the firm for twenty-one years, without interruption, and must either be permanently incapacitated, or have attained the age of sixty-five. After twenty-one years’ service the men will receive 8s. 6d. and the women 4s. 3d.; after twenty-five years’ service, 10s. and 5s.; after thirty years’, 15s. and 7s. 6d.; and after forty years’, 17s. 6d. and 8s. 9d. The workpeople, it may be mentioned, will not be called upon to contribute to the scheme in any way. Fifty-three persons employed by the firm are already entitled to benefit under the scheme, and it was stated by one of the partners that an employe who entered the service of the firm at fourteen would be eligible at the age of thirty-five. The workpeople present spoke very favourably of the scheme.”

In conclusion we may say that Messrs. Walker & Hall have branch establishments at the following addresses 45, Holborn Viaduct, London, E.C.; 24 to 34, Paradise Street, Liverpool; 3, Fountain Street, Manchester; 8, Gordon Street, Glasgow; 17, South St. Andrew Street, Edinburgh; and Little Collins Street, Melbourne.

Their telegraphic addresses are:— “Bingham,” Sheffield, and “Flag Mark,” London.

Source: Progress - Commerce - 1893

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The Atlantic Silver Plough trophy, manufactured by Walker & Hall Ltd. of Sheffield, for the World Ploughing Championships held at New Zealand in 1967:



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Another pleasing proof of the good feeling existing between employers and employed in the standard houses of the Sheffield trades was afforded on Saturday night. The firm of Messrs. Walker and Hall, known as “‘the pioneer firm in the plating trade,” own the very extensive electro works in Howard-street, Sheffield. On Saturday the only son of Lieutenant-Colonel J. E. Bingham, J.P., the principal partner, attained his majority, and his father, who is very popular amongst his workpeople and in Sheffield generally, entertained his employés to dinner. Over 850 were present, and the proceedings were of the most pleasing and harmonious description. Mr. Albert E. Bingham was presented with a gun and case, a diamond ring and suite of diamond studs, while to Mr. and Mrs. Bingham were given, as a memento of the occasion, a very fine portrait of their son. Mr. A. E. Bingham briefly and appropriately replied. Several of the a gave interesting reminiscences of the Sheffield electro-plating trade. Mr. Walker, the founder of the firm, was the first to introduce practical electro-plating as a commercial pursuit in Sheffield. It was a discovery which completely revolutionised the plating business. The firm, from twenty hands, have increased to over 700. They have establishments in Sheffield and London, and branches in many cities, while their flag-mark is known the world over. Mr. Bingham has been twice Master Cutler, and during his second year initiated the Sheffield Workmen’s Handicrafts Exhibition, which H.R.H. Prince Albert Victor opened, afterwards dining with Mr. Bingham.

Source: The Engineer - 29th November 1889

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DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND

In 1933 the junior cross-country “Walker and Hall Cup” was presented. It was offered by Mr Hislop from the local firm Messrs Walker and Hall on the basis of 5 percent off purchases made by members or mothers of members, to go towards the trophy.

Source: The History of the Dunedin Anglican Club - c.1980

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Mr. J. E. Bingham, of the firm of Messrs. Walker and Hall, silver and electro platers, was on Tuesday elected the Master Cutler at Sheffield.

Source: The Illustrated London News - 6th August 1881

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The annual meeting for the reconstitution of the Cutlers' Company has just taken place. Mr. John Furness Atkinson, of the firm of Atkinson Bros., Milton Works, Milton Street, has been unanimously elected Master Cutler for the ensuing year. The Senior and Junior Warders are Mr. Geo. Howsen and Mr. C. H. Bingham respectively. Although, therefore, the Master Cutler elect is a cutler pure and simple the silversmiths will have their turn in due course. The constitution of the company in other respects remains the same as before, except that Mr. C. H. Bingham is advanced from the position of Searcher to Warden, and Mr. Marshall from Assistant to Searcher.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st September 1892

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Messrs. Walker and Hall, of the Electro Works, Howard-street, have suffered severely by a disastrous fire at their London show-rooms, where they keep a very large and valuable stock of artistic goods in sterling silver and high-class plate. The damage is estimated at £25,000, but with the characteristic enterprise of this great establishment they have already taken fresh rooms, and replenished them with new stock within a day or two after the calamity.

Source: The Engineer - 12th February 1897

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Col. Bingham, J.P., head of the firm of Messrs. Walker and Hall, Electro Works, Howard-street, closed the Art Crafts Exhibition at Sheffield last week. In doing so he made some remarks upon the Hall-marking of silver, which have excited controversy and general interest. It seems that a very large value in Sheffield silver is sent to London to be stamped with the London mark, the leopard’s head. In this way the capital is credited with the production of some of our finest manufactured silver ware, Colonel Bingham attributes the sending of it to London to the fact that the Sheffield Assay-office is only open three days a week, and he holds that attendance ought to be given there every day, particularly as the silver trade has advanced so largely during the past few years in Sheffield. Other manufacturers have come forward to support his views, and it is probable that a meeting of the silver trade may be called to take action. It is contended on the other side that the fees in the Assay-office are regulated by the work done, and that daily attendance would necessitate a larger staff and increased fees, which would tell against the trade. It is further urged that buyers in the capital prefer to have the London Hall mark, and that Sheffield manufacturers are perfectly aware of this and send their goods to be stamped with it in consequence.

Source: The Engineer - 29th March 1895

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Several Sheffield firms are represented at the Brussels International Exhibition.

Messrs. Walker and Hall, Electro Works, Howard-street, Sheffield, silversmiths and cutlers, have silver gates through which their display of silver ware is reached—a very beautiful exhibit.

Source: The Engineer - 30th April 1897

See: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=38614&p=139320&hilit=1897#p139320

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Mr. Charles Henry Bingham, of the well-known silver-plating and cutlery establishment of Messrs. Walker and Hall, electro works, Howard-street, Sheffield, was duly installed on the 6th inst. as Master Cutler of Sheffield. Mr. Bingham is in partnership with his brother, Lieut.-Colonel J. E. Bingham, J.P., who has twice held that office with equal ability and acceptance. It was during his second tenure of the post that a most successful Handicrafts Exhibition was opened at the Cutlers’ Hall by H.R.H. the late Prince Albert Victor, who was the colonel’s guest. The other partner in the firm is Captain A. E. Bingham, son of the Master Cutler’s brother. The new Master is a gentleman who has taken an active interest in questions affecting the social and material welfare of his native city, and has been a leading member of the Sheffield Smoke Abatement Association, which has already done substantial service in brightening the conditions by cleansing the atmosphere in which some 340,000 people pursue their daily avocations.

Source: The Engineer - 14th September 1894

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Matthew Woodward, book-keeper, of Sheffield, stands remanded on a charge of committing a robbery of gold and silver plate on the premises of Messrs. Walker and Hall, electro platers, in whose employment he was. The stolen property is estimated at £300.

Source: The Usk Observer - 6th June 1857

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The friends of Col. Bingham will be glad to learn that he has almost quite recovered from the results of the alarming accident chronicled in these notes last month. Apart from personal considerations, men like him can ill be spared in a community like this. It would be an inappropriate metaphor to say that Mr. Bingham had made two blades of grass grow where only one grew before, but as a matter of sober fact he has been the means of enabling three silversmiths to earn a living where only one did before. Mr. Bingham is the apostle of what is called " Fair Trade," but we can overlook that in view of the solid work he has done in extending the trade of the town.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st February 1890

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THE SYDNEY EXHIBITION

Another noticeable exhibit I have seen since my last is that of Messrs. Walker & Hall, Electro Works, Howard Street. In five large cases they have arranged a selection of silverware, electroplated and Britannia metal goods, which will be exceedingly hard to beat. In tea and coffee services, communion vessels, dessert knives and forks, epergnes and "kettle-drums," Messrs. Walker & Hall have a remarkably complete collection, and their display of trowels and mallets for stone-laying purposes is nothing short of superb. I was also very much struck with their Britannia metal goods, which show an unusually high polish, and present quite a silver-like surface. Messrs. Walker & Hall had first honours at Sydney.

Source: The Board of Trade Journal - 1st August 1880

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A strainer and stand by Walker & Hall, assayed at Sheffield in 1954:








W & H - Sheffield - 1954 / W&H/53559/WALKER & HALL/SHEFFIELD


W & H - Sheffield - 1954

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Walker & Hall, Ltd. - Sheffield - 1929

Directors: Sir A.E. Bingham Bt. - J.C. Riddle - W. Webb - J. Douglas - G.R. Slater - J.N. Lee - P.E. Inchbald

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