French silverware

Originally a jeweller, Charles Christofle took over the family business specialising in precious metals in 1830. An avant-garde thinker, the young man bought the patents for electrolytic silvering and gilding in order to manufacture silver-plated objects on a large scale. The success of his housewares was immediate, and even enabled him to become a supplier to Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann. By democratising silverware and enhancing the art of the table, Christofle spread French expertise and refinement to the four corners of the world.

Tableware, Decoration and Jewellery.