Hester Bateman
Hester Bateman
English, 1708–1794
HESTER BATEMAN (1709-1794) was the most famous 18th c. English female silversmith. Hester was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Nedem. She married in 1732 (at the Church of St. Botolph's, Aldergate, in the City of London) goldsmith John Bateman, whereby together they worked a small silversmith business. It is believed John never held a formal apprenticeship, which is why many Bateman pieces had been contracted out to talented craftsmen.
John was a "Chainmaker" (a branch of the silversmiths' art) and died on November 13, 1760 leaving in his will "unto my loving wife, Easter Bateman all my household goods and implements".
When her husband died in 1760, Hester had at least five children - Jonathan, Peter, probably John (who may have been connected with the business, although he is only recorded as a watch and clock-maker), Letitia (who married Richard Clarke), and Ann. Only Peter, Letitia, and Ann were still living at the time of Hester's death.
Hester registered her mark at Goldsmith's Hall ‘April 16, 1761, as Hester Bateman in Bunnhill Row and this mark was usend until 1790.
Hester died in 1794, when she was living in the Parish of St. Andrew when she lived with her daughter Letitia.
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