Jane Williams (silversmith)

Jane Williams (née Terry) (2 December 1771 - 17 April 1845) was an Irish silversmith.[1]

Early life edit

Jane Terry was born in Cork, in Munster, Ireland on 2 December 1771, the eldest daughter of Catherine (née Webb) and Carden Terry (1742-1821). She had six younger sisters and two younger brothers. Her father was a silversmith, as was her maternal grandfather Stonewell Webb. She married her father's apprentice John Williams on 6 August 1791 in St Peter's Church, Cork on 6 August 1791 and became known as Jane Williams. Her husband John Williams and her father Carden Terry went into partnership together in 1795. John Williams died on June 13, 1806, and left Jane with five sons and two daughters.[1]

Career edit

Jane Williams registered a maker's mark of her own in Dublin in 1806, and entered into partnership with her father the following year, working at the family's business at 44 Grand Parade in Cork. Her father Carden Terry struck a new maker's mark in 1807, incorporating her initials (JW) beneath his own (TC). She remained active in the profession until 1821,[2] in which year her father died.[3] Pieces produced by the two are well-regarded for their craftsmanship.[4]

Legacy edit

Two pieces by Williams and Terry are in the collection of the National Museum of Women in the Arts. They are a George II marrow scoop of c. 1810 and a Regency Irish Freedom Box of 1814.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Williams, Jane | Dictionary of Irish Biography". www.dib.ie. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  2. ^ a b Philippa Glanville; Jennifer Faulds Goldsborough; National Museum of Women in the Arts (U.S.) (1990). Women Silversmiths, 1685–1845: Works from the Collection of the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Thames and Hudson. ISBN 978-0-500-23578-2.
  3. ^ "Silver Forums at 925-1000.com". www.925-1000.com. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
  4. ^ "Women Silversmiths". Eileen Moylan. 2 March 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2019.