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 Asprey speciality was dressing cases, for which HM Queen Victoria awarded Asprey a Royal Warrant 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’, which had been 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 celebrated motto ‘It Can Be Done’, was created 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 HM Queen Elizabeth II: the dessert, coffee and liqueur service in 18 carat gold drew crowds to the London flagship 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 moved to above the London flagship, contributing the bespoke business flourishing. Asprey began to receive commissions from around the world, including a custom chess set for Ringo Starr, a gold telephone for John Lennon and a luxury picnic trailer which included a dining table for 16.

Asprey’s bespoke services continue today. Using traditional methods with modern designs, Asprey continues to craft one-of-a-kind pieces for its discerning clientele. Please do not hesitate to contact us, should you wish to receive any further information about these services, place an order or request a commission.

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As a previous official jewellery sponsor of the BAFTAs, Asprey has bejewelled many leading talents for the red carpet, including Angelina Jolie. Asprey has also created iconic pieces for some of history’s most celebrated films, such as Titanic. Asprey crafted the Edwardian-style necklace worn by Kate Winslet’s character in the 1997 film. The brand’s creations have appeared in a large array other notable films including The Devil Wears Prada, Match Point and James Bond’s Octopussy.

The Asprey fine and rare book collection evolved from the early 1900s when a small compendium of reference books were first put on display. Today, Asprey offers a broad range of first and limited editions - many in their original bindings - and some in leather bindings customised by the brand (where appropriate).

Asprey also carry an extensive range of modern editions of classic titles and reference books, all leather-bound by hand. These can be personalised on Asprey’s premises with names, initials, crests, dates and dedications.

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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