Among the submissions considered for the Radio 4’s popular series ‘A History of the World in 100 Objects’ were two modest pieces of silver and enamel Art Nouveau-style jewellery by Charles Horner (1837-96) of Halifax – the local jeweller turned international manufacturer who through mass-production methods, innovative designs and marketing genius took high fashion to the masses.
The factory at Mile Cross in Halifax survived two world wars
before it finally went into voluntary liquidation in 1984.
Horner's output has been subject to some commercial revision in
recent times - admired for its period style, its consistent
quality, its relative affordability; a name to be celebrated rather
than dismissed.
This small group of Horner silver and enamel wares - all of them
from the Edwardian period - formed part of the sale of Vintage
Jewellery and Accessories held by
Fellows in Birmingham on September 10.
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