Robert Edgar Stone began his studies in silversmithing at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London at the age of 14. He was supported through school by a scholarship from the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths which also allowed him to travel across Europe.
Stone initially went on to work at Goldsmiths as a liveryman following the completion of his coursework, eventually leaving to open his own silver workshop in London in 1929. He took on notable apprentices such as Ian Calvert and Christopher Lawrence, and invited his daughter, Jean, to work with him as a jeweller.
LOT 68 | A 1940S TOAST RACK | Robert Edgar Stone, London 1946 | Sold for £328*
A renowned artist, Stone’s pieces were known for being handmade and high quality during a time at which the mass production of silver works was increasing. Famously, Stone was commissioned to make a large collection of silver pieces in commemoration of George V’s Silver Jubilee in 1935. Eventually, Stone’s designs were adapted to commemorate the coronation of both Edward VIII and George VI’s coronation in 1936 and 1937 respectively.
LOT 95 | A 1970S SPOON | Robert Edgar Stone, Edinburgh 1970 | Sold for £239*
After closing his workshop, he continued to work from his Scottish home in Dunbartonshire which is when we see pieces assayed from Edinburgh.
Stone was present for key artistic movements throughout the 20th century and helped shape some of our most important British post-war silversmiths.
Lyon & Turnbull’s Silver & Objects of Vertu department currently hold two specialist auctions per year - alongside the annual Scottish Silver & Applied Arts auction in August - dedicated to both British and foreign silverware from the 16th century to modern day.
SILVER & JEWELLERY
kier.mulholland@lyonandturnbull.com