HERITAGE & HISTORY

Founded in 1781 by William Asprey, the company was originally based in Mitcham, Surrey until it 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 ushered in a golden age for Asprey. The House 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. The now iconic designs reflect the movement’s energy and originality, and 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.

In 1953, Asprey celebrated its long-standing relationship with the British Royal Family by creating the Asprey Coronation Year Gold Collection in honour of Queen Elizabeth II: the dessert, coffee and liqueur service in 18-carat gold drew crowds to the London store and also wowed observers during a subsequent tour of the United States.

During the Second World War, Asprey’s workshop on Euston Road remained open during the war effort and its silversmiths crafted parts for the Admiralty and other government departments.

As Asprey continued to grow after the war, its 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 the former official jewellery sponsor of the BAFTAs, Asprey has dressed industry figures such as Angelina Jolie for the red carpet, while etching 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 compendium of reference books were displayed 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 customised 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.

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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