James Braham & the Bradford Brothers

James Braham

James Braham born Jacob Abraham in Bath was apprenticed to his father also Jacob Abraham an optician, scientific instrument maker and prominent member of the Jewish community. James was one of the first retailers to make a name for himself selling desirable objects that incorporated local marbles. He set up his business at 8 Strand in the 1820s where he practiced as a goldsmith, silversmith, jeweller, engraver and clock and watchmaker. He included local stones in his creations.

Torquay Museum

Torquay Museum

Silver and Agate Letter Opener

The silver handle is decorated with a view of Torquay Harbour and was made in Birmingham by Taylor and Perry in 1840. It is marked by the retailer James Braham of 8 Strand. The end cap lifts to reveal a compartment for holding postage stamps, which were only introduced in 1840.

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Torquay Museum

Torquay Museum

An exquisite silver chamber stick on a fine inlaid black marble stand bearing the mark of James Braham. Private Collection

By 1830 his business had the Royal patronage of H.R.H. Queen Adelaide, the wife of William IV. Goods retailed through his shop are known to include ivory and inlaid stone thermometers, silver chamber sticks with local limestones on black marble bases, telescopes, barometers and clocks and watches for which he is perhaps best known.

Torquay Museum

An agate and silver tray depicting Torquay Harbour and possibly York Minster. It bears the mark of James Braham. Private Collection

The Bradford Brothers

James Braham retired in 1849 and sold his business to Edwin Bradford Marble Mason Goldsmith and Jeweller. By 1856 Edwin had been joined by his brother and they had opened two more premises, Bradford Brothers, Manufacturing Goldsmiths Malachite and Mosaic Marble Workers at 4 Victoria Parade and James Bradford Watchmaker and Jeweller at 7 Victoria Parade.

Torquay Museum

The Strand and Victoria Parade in 1859. This would become the centre for trade in high-end objects for the elite visitors to Torquay. The Bradford Brothers shop can be seen on the far right (colourised).

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Torquay Museum

This tiny jewellery box is the only example the Museum has of the packaging used by James Bradford, Gold and Silver Smith, Madrepore and Malachite Works, whose shop was at 7 Victoria Parade.

Torquay Museum Collection

The Bradford Brothers retailed many items inlaid with a range of local stones some of which they bought in from Harry Grant & Sons. They also specialised in malachite veneered objects and malachite and silver jewellery. The 19th century became the age of malachite after a large deposit was discovered in Russia. Russian craftsmen developed a technique called ‘malachite mosaic’, a process of veneering thin slices to create the impression of solid malachite. This work was first exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851, and influenced both the Bradford Brothers and Grants who started to create exclusively malachite and marble products. The market for these Russian style items can only have been boosted by the visits to Torquay of the Romanoff family who owned Villa Syracusa and held grand receptions attended by royalty and celebrities.

Torquay Museum

Torquay Museum

Malachite and silver brooch made and retailed by the Bradford Brothers. This item was sold through Edwin Bradford's shop in Torquay. He took over James Braham's business at 8 Strand in 1849 and the hallmarks on this brooch suggest it was made in that year. This is the only brooch associated with Torquay so far known with hallmarks that trace its origin back to the Birmingham jewellery industry. It appears to be made by Hilliard and Thomason silversmiths of Spencer Street. The Bradford Brothers Edwin and James would later specialise in making and retailing malachite objects. This brooch suggests they started as early as 1849.

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The Bradford Brothers Makers Marks

Torquay Museum

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