Corke Brothers

1882 - 1938

Although known as silversmiths, there is more to the business of Corke Brothers than that. They started as watch case engravers but later, Richard Corke became Master of The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. Ernest Apthorp, who later ran the company was also a member of The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. Corke Brothers made a wide range of small silver items and silver that would be mounted to glass, tortoiseshell or leather etc such as scent bottles inkwells, brooches and cigar cases etc. No doubt, clocks were also included in their wares.

It is probable that the engraving and silversmiths business of Corke Brothers was started between 1882 and 1884. They are not found in the 1880 Post Office Directory. The 1881 census lists William, Henry Ruben and Charles Corke all as watch case engravers, living with their mother Elizabeth at 61, St Peters Street, Islington, London. Richard, the eldest brother was 28 at the time, with Henry 4 years younger and Charles 16 years old. Presumably the three brothers were working for another business before they set up on their own. Richard married Ruth Newall in 1883 and perhaps this was the impetus to set up their own business. In 1884, Corke Brothers are listed as Heraldic Engravers at 29 Northampton Square and this address was a constant for the business with Richard and Ruth living at the address. By 1895 they had expanded to include numbers 27 and 28 and are listed as engravers, silversmiths and gold and silver mounters. ... show more

Although known as silversmiths, there is more to the business of Corke Brothers than that. They started as watch case engravers but later, Richard Corke became Master of The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. Ernest Apthorp, who later ran the company was also a member of The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. Corke Brothers made a wide range of small silver items and silver that would be mounted to glass, tortoiseshell or leather etc such as scent bottles inkwells, brooches and cigar cases etc. No doubt, clocks were also included in their wares.

It is probable that the engraving and silversmiths business of Corke Brothers was started between 1882 and 1884. They are not found in the 1880 Post Office Directory. The 1881 census lists William, Henry Ruben and Charles Corke all as watch case engravers, living with their mother Elizabeth at 61, St Peters Street, Islington, London. Richard, the eldest brother was 28 at the time, with Henry 4 years younger and Charles 16 years old. Presumably the three brothers were working for another business before they set up on their own. Richard married Ruth Newall in 1883 and perhaps this was the impetus to set up their own business. In 1884, Corke Brothers are listed as Heraldic Engravers at 29 Northampton Square and this address was a constant for the business with Richard and Ruth living at the address. By 1895 they had expanded to include numbers 27 and 28 and are listed as engravers, silversmiths and gold and silver mounters.

By 1897, 3 Heddon Street was added to their addresses and by 1899, 98 Cheapside. At some point they also held premises at 45 Carnaby Street but the date is not confirmed.

Richard Corke seems to be the driving force behind the business and little information on Henry and Charles can be found. In 1911, a Henry Reuben Corke with the same birth year, is listed in the census as a Civil Servant. As such, it's possible that he parted company, leaving Richard to the business. Arthur George Apthorp, born in 1868 and his younger brother Ernest Harry Apthorp, born in 1875 took an interest in the business by 1904 with the name changing to Corke Brothers & Co. However, they may well have been working for the Corkes beforehand. If you are reading this on any other site than campaignfurniture.com, it has been copied without permission. The 1911 census lists them both as Manufacturing Silversmiths and the business name changes to Corke Brothers & Co. by 1912.

Richard served 3 terms as Mayor of Finsbury. His first 2 terms were consecutive from 1913 to 1915 and his third term was in 1922. In 1918 he was chairman of the National Benevolent Society of Watch and Clock Makers and in 1924, Master of The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. Richard died on the 24th November 1927 with his addresses given as both 28 Northampton Square, Clerkenwell and Lower Camden, Chislehurst. His estate was valued at the equivalent of approximately £850,000 in 2025.

The business continued under the guidance of Ernest Apthorp. Both he and Arthur had married but whereas Ernest and his wife Amy lived with their son Alan at 35 Sotheby Road, Islington, George and his wife Hannah lived in a boarding house with several other guests at 129a Highbury New Park N, Islington. Arthur died in 1935 and Ernest continued to run the business until his retirement in 1941. The business name changed to Corke & Apthorp and then in 1938 became a limited company. They merged with Puddefoot, Bowers and Simonett Ltd. Ernest was successful enough to move to Harrow, become a keen tennis player, a Freemason and as previously noted, member of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers.