Background
Hester Neden or Needham was baptised in London on 7 October 1708, the daughter of John Neden or Needham.
Hester Neden or Needham was baptised in London on 7 October 1708, the daughter of John Neden or Needham.
She took over the family business and registered her first sponsor"s mark at the Goldsmith"s Hall in 1761, simply "HB" in script. From the time up to the late 1770s, not much Bateman work is known, possibly because she was supplying pieces for other silversmiths that were subsequently overstamped with their marks. They used the latest technology to produce their silverware as cheaply as possible and compete with other companies using Sheffield Plate.
They used thin gauge sheet silver and machines to punch and pierce lieutenant
The family specialised in household silverware in a neo classical style, and she expanded their range to include many goods such as tea caddies, jugs, salvers, salt cellars, wine labels, trays and ink wells. Their work is characterised by bright-cut engraving, beading around edges and piercing.
She died on 16 September 1794 and was buried at Street Luke"s, Old Street, London. They registered a hallmark with their initials ("PB" over "IB") in December 1790, but Jonathan died in April 1791.
Jonathan"s widow Ann-Olympe (Dowling) (1748–1813) entered a hallmark with her brother-in-law Peter ("PB" over "Bachelor of Arts") and worked for the company until 1805.
Bateman silverware continues to be popular, and Hester Bateman is considered one of the finest English silversmiths.