HERITAGE & HISTORY

Founded in 1781 by William Asprey, was originally based in Mitcham, Surrey until the company moved into central London premises. From there, Asprey advertised ‘articles of exclusive design and high quality', whether for personal adornment or personal accompaniment and to endow with richness and beauty the table and homes of people of refinement and discernment.

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An early speciality was dressing cases, for which Queen Victoria awarded Asprey a Royal Warrant for in 1862. In the same year Asprey was also awarded a gold medal for its dressing cases at the International Exhibition.

 

The 20s and 30s were a golden age for Asprey. It embraced the new style, now known as ‘Art Deco’ but then called ‘moderne’ or ‘Jazz modern’, introduced by the Paris Exposition de Arts Décoratifs in 1925. Its iconic designs reflect the new energy and originality, Asprey’s catalogues of this era are beautiful anthologies of luxury goods. It was the age of the cocktail and Asprey embraced this, creating unique, iconic humorous pieces.

 

The Asprey Crest, with its motto ‘It Can Be Done’, was awarded in celebration of Asprey’s 225th anniversary.

Asprey celebrated what was, by then, a long-standing and celebrated relationship with the British Royal Family in 1953, the year of Queen Elizabeth II was crowned, with the Asprey Coronation Year Gold Collection - a dessert, coffee and liqueur service in 18-carat gold which drew crowds to the New Bond Street store and also wowed observers during a subsequent tour of the United States.

 

During the Second World War, Asprey made the decision to keep their workshops open at Nettleford House on Euston Road, this meant they kept their body of craftsmen who would have otherwise been sent off to war; it also allowed the Silversmiths to make parts for the Admiralty and other government departments.

 

Asprey continued to grow after the war, the workshops were moved to above the London store, as a result the bespoke business flourished. Asprey began to receive commissions from around the world, including a custom chess set for Ringo Starr and a picnic trailer which included a dining table for 16.

 

Our bespoke services continue today. Using traditional methods with modern designs, Asprey continues to craft one of a kind pieces for its discerning clientele. If you would like any further information about our client services, or would like to place an order or make a commission, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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As former official jewellery sponsor of the BAFTAs, Asprey has prepared industry figures such as Angelina Jolie for the red carpet, while the brand also etched its name even more indelibly into silver screen history by creating the Edwardian-style necklace worn by Kate Winslet’s character in the 1997 megahit Titanic. The brand’s wares have appeared in a wealth of other films including The Devil Wears Prada, Match Point and the iconic James Bond caper Octopussy.

The Asprey fine and rare book tradition evolved from the early 1900s when a small compendia of reference books were produced in attractive stands. Today, Asprey offers an eclectic range of first and limited editions, many in their original bindings and some, if appropriate, in leather bindings customized by us.

 

We also carry an extensive range of modern editions of classic titles and reference books, all leather-bound by Asprey. These can be personalised with names, initials, crests, dates, and dedications here on the premises and usually within a couple of days.

A LOOK THROUGH THE ARCHIVES

  • 1800's

  • 1900's

  • 1930's

  • 1950's

  • 1960's

  • 1970's

  • 1980's

  • 1990's

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