Elkington & Company was founded in 1824 by brothers George and Henry Elkington at Newhall Street in Birmingham.

In 1840, they patented a method of silver plating which quickly became the industry standard allowing other companies to use the process under licence.  This gave the company world-wide recognition and they received many royal warrants of appointment as manufacturers of English silverware and silver plate, not only from our own royalty but also from a number of the Kings and Queens of Europe.

They had several notable designers including Christopher Dresser and became well-known for their quality hotel silverware and supplied the railway companies and shipping lines as well as being a favourite of the aristocracy.

In 1963, Elkington & Company was taken over by the Sheffield firm British Silverware Ltd.