THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF SILVER SHOPS IN THE WORLD IS RIGHT BENEATH YOUR FEET

The London Silver Vaults is a well kept secret among the world’s lovers of silverware. Behind the three-feet-thick solid steel doors, are 30 independent shops, many which are third-generation family businesses and have much expertise to impart. Visitors will find a veritable treasure trove of silverware, ranging from trays, vases and lighting to mirrors, dramatic centrepieces and sets of cutlery embracing the best design and silversmiths of every fashion trend and era of the last 400 years. For wearable design, shoppers will find jewellery and watches too. And if you have something particular in mind, you can commission bespoke pieces too

British silverware design and manufacturing has always been, and continues to be, considered the best in the world. The Vaults attracts both British and international customers who want to beautify their homes, as well as collectors of specialist pieces. The silver on offer is mostly British, but you will find wonderful examples from other great silver-making countries such as – Germany, China, France, Japan and the USA. Works from the greatest silversmiths of the past such as royal silversmiths Paul de Lamerie and Paul Storr, as well as notable makers from the 20th century – Omar Ramsden during the Arts and Crafts period, and mid-century designers Christopher Lawrence and Gerald Benney. Silver also offers a more enduring alternative to cheaper materials in today’s throw-away society. Its malleable quality allows it to be finely crafted into long-lasting and high-quality pieces that can be useful and practical as well as beautiful. Much loved, well-used items, exhibiting a patina from regular use, go on to become family heirlooms.

Silver is the only precious metal with an affordable price point, one of the many reasons there is a renaissance of silver in home décor. Interior designers are increasingly choosing silver to add a touch of elegance and modernity to their clients’ homes, with Art Deco barware being increasingly popular in recent years. Dealers in The Vaults work closely with individual customers as well as interior designers from around the world, offering expert and candid advice to help source pieces that match their brief. Clients range from private residences to stately homes, hotels to restaurants and from HM Forces to royalty.

For somewhere so well hidden, a surprising number of famous faces have found The Vaults over the years; Sting, Princess Margaret, Liberace and Brad Pitt to name a few. You too can visit by simply turning off Chancery Lane into Southampton Buildings. They are open to everyone weekdays and Saturday mornings, no appointment necessary.

The largest selection of fine contemporary and antique silverware in the world
53-64 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1QS.ENTRANCE ON SOUTHAMPTON BUILDINGS
silvervaultslondon.com