Child & Child

The History of Child & Child

Child & Child was founded by the brothers Walter (1840 – 1930) and Harold Child (1848 – 1915) in 1880. Their father was a pawnbroker in London, and after he passed he left them a significant inheritance which the brothers used to set up a manufacturing firm on Seville Street. Here, they registered as silver plate workers. Afterwards, they moved premises to 35 Alfred Place West in 1892, or, Thurloe Street today. When exiting South Kensington tube station, you can still see the company’s monogram of a sunflower with two C’s, decorating the plaster window keystone.

On these premises, they continued to make and sell silver. However, they also began to produce the jewellery for which they are known today.

In 1899 the partnership between the brothers was dissolved, with Harold Child continuing to trade until his death in 1915. In 1913 the firm had an impressive list of patrons including; Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, King George V, Empress Frederick of Prussia, and the Tsarina of Russia.

The Style of Child & Child

As they were producing jewellery at the turn of the century, much of their work is inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, as well as Art Nouveau pieces. Known for their stunning colours and sinuous lines, jewellery made by Child & Child is now held in many museums and is considered to be extremely collectable.

Child & Child is easily recognisable: if you look at the reverse of your piece of jewellery, you should be able to see their maker’s mark. The same as the keystone at 35 Alfred Place, it shows a blooming sunflower, flanked by C’s.

However, it is easy to spot a piece by them even without looking at the back. As you can see from our lots, Child & Child is defined by bright colours, greens, blues, and turquoise, in glowing enamel.

A Pre-Raphaelite Patron

Among the lovers of Child & Child’s work was the Pre-Raphaelite artist – Sir Edward Burne-Jones. He lived not far from their premises and became a frequent visitor. In fact, his own ring which he wore on his little finger on his left hand, was a baroque, heart-shaped pearl, that had been set in silver by the brothers. Burne-Jones had a preoccupation with heart iconography. Therefore, much of the work commissioned by him featured a heart in one shape or form.

As well as commissioning jewellery for his own collection, Burne-Jone also designed pieces for the firm. Although other Pre-Raphaelite painters such as William Holman Hunt took an interest in the work produced, they didn’t design for the company.

The spirit of Child & Child jewellery closely resembled that of Pre-Raphaelite art. The bright colours and ethereal quality of the designs were similar to the Pre-Raphaelite colour palette and iconographic themes. It’s not unlikely to think that patronage from one of the leading artists at this time inspired the Child brothers to take further inspiration from this school of art. As the Pre-Raphaelites were so focused on spiritual themes, it seems that this may have also influenced the Child’s, particularly in their use of wings in their designs.

Wings were also closely associated with Egyptian designs. Egyptian revival jewellery was especially popular at this period of time, and seemingly influenced the Child brothers as they produced winged hearts, pearls, and globes.

Child & Child at Auction

If you would like to own your own piece of Child & Child jewellery it’s always worth keeping up to date with our auctions. We regularly see pieces come through our doors.

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