Hester Bateman (1709-1794) is the most famous of the 18th c. English silversmiths. A remarkable woman who was widowed at 52, and (it is believed) illiterate, she began turning a small metalwork business into a highly successful silversmith company. Hester demonstrated entrepreneurial genius by creating elegant, simple silver works for a newly affluent English middle class. Her workshop produced thousands of pieces until her 1790 retirement. Hester’s descendants helped the workshop continue to thrive through the mid-19th century and today her trademark is one of the most sought after world-wide. All this happened over 200 years ago when there was no electricity or machinery for mass production and the world was very different for women in the workforce.

We’re delighted to announce that coffee is back for Coffee Talks along with post-Coffee Talk docent tours.

10 am – 10:30 am Refreshments service begins in the Membership Garden
10:30 am – 11 am Coffee Talk presentation
11 am Q&A
Immediately after Q&A ends – Docent Tour: meet in the Great Hall