Lot Essay
George Wickes (1698-1761), Goldsmith to the Prince of Wales, was born in Bury St. Edmunds in 1698 as the eighth of ten children born to upholsterer James Wickes and his wife Dorothy. He was apprenticed at the age of twelve to Samuel Wastell, becoming free in 1720. He registered his first mark in February 1721, marrying the following year, when he set up his business in Threadneedle Street, later moving to Norris Street of Haymarket, before moving to Panton Street in 1735.
After that Wickes established himself independently, as confirmed by the surviving ledger from Messrs Garrard, where the first entry is dated 23 June 1735. One folio (31) in the ledger, titled "My House," includes a reference from 24 June to "The King’s Arms and Feathers £14.3.6," marking the beginning of his association with Frederick, Prince of Wales—a relationship that would later cause him significant difficulties.
Wickes' business flourished at the King’s Arms, Panton Street, where he operated from 1735 to 1761 working for an extensive and influential clientele, rivaling that of Paul de Lamerie. The first ledger (1735-1741) shows accounts for the Dukes of Devonshire and Chandos, the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, the Marquess of Caernarvon, Earl Inchiquin, and various noble lords. In the next volume, clients expanded to include the Dukes of Kingston, Roxburgh, Montrose, and Bridgwater, as well as the Earls of Scarborough and Kildare, Admiral Vernon, and Arthur Onslow, the Speaker of the House of Commons. Bishops also appear in the records, further adding to his distinguished clientele.
His work for Frederick, Prince of Wales, began on 24 March 1735 with a relatively modest commission of "a black ebony handle for a tea kettle and a button for a teapot" before expanding to more substantial commissions, such as a "fine cup & cover" weighing 124 oz 17 dwt for £80 and a "fine bread basket" of 87 oz 9 dwt for £50; in February 1738, the Prince ordered eighteen chased sconces weighing 426 oz at £126.1.6 plus £5.5 per piece for craftsmanship. Among the most significant works created for the Prince was a silver-gilt epergne designed by William Kent, weighing 845 oz 9 dwt, costing £662.5.4. This piece, later modified by Rundell & Bridge, remains in the Royal Collection. Following Frederick’s death, Wickes continued working for his widow and, in 1759, began a modest account for "Their Royal Highnesses Prince William and Henry," Frederick's younger sons.
One of Wickes' most significant commissions was the 1745-1747 service for James Fitzgerald, Viscount Leinster (later Duke of Leinster), on his marriage to Emilia, daughter of the 2nd Duke of Richmond. This service included approximately 170 pieces, featuring an elaborate arbour epergne, now part of the Walter Chrysler Jr. collection.
After that Wickes established himself independently, as confirmed by the surviving ledger from Messrs Garrard, where the first entry is dated 23 June 1735. One folio (31) in the ledger, titled "My House," includes a reference from 24 June to "The King’s Arms and Feathers £14.3.6," marking the beginning of his association with Frederick, Prince of Wales—a relationship that would later cause him significant difficulties.
Wickes' business flourished at the King’s Arms, Panton Street, where he operated from 1735 to 1761 working for an extensive and influential clientele, rivaling that of Paul de Lamerie. The first ledger (1735-1741) shows accounts for the Dukes of Devonshire and Chandos, the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, the Marquess of Caernarvon, Earl Inchiquin, and various noble lords. In the next volume, clients expanded to include the Dukes of Kingston, Roxburgh, Montrose, and Bridgwater, as well as the Earls of Scarborough and Kildare, Admiral Vernon, and Arthur Onslow, the Speaker of the House of Commons. Bishops also appear in the records, further adding to his distinguished clientele.
His work for Frederick, Prince of Wales, began on 24 March 1735 with a relatively modest commission of "a black ebony handle for a tea kettle and a button for a teapot" before expanding to more substantial commissions, such as a "fine cup & cover" weighing 124 oz 17 dwt for £80 and a "fine bread basket" of 87 oz 9 dwt for £50; in February 1738, the Prince ordered eighteen chased sconces weighing 426 oz at £126.1.6 plus £5.5 per piece for craftsmanship. Among the most significant works created for the Prince was a silver-gilt epergne designed by William Kent, weighing 845 oz 9 dwt, costing £662.5.4. This piece, later modified by Rundell & Bridge, remains in the Royal Collection. Following Frederick’s death, Wickes continued working for his widow and, in 1759, began a modest account for "Their Royal Highnesses Prince William and Henry," Frederick's younger sons.
One of Wickes' most significant commissions was the 1745-1747 service for James Fitzgerald, Viscount Leinster (later Duke of Leinster), on his marriage to Emilia, daughter of the 2nd Duke of Richmond. This service included approximately 170 pieces, featuring an elaborate arbour epergne, now part of the Walter Chrysler Jr. collection.