Joseph Parker (c.1829-1915), who was born at Harbourne, Staffordshire, started his electro-plate business in 1858 at Pool Works, Burgess Street.

In the Census (1861), he was enumerated in Fitzwilliam Street with his wife Emma and three sons. He employed three girls. He advertised in 1860 and in 1862, when he highlighted his early experience with William Hutton.  Between 1863 and 1872, his works address was Arundel Street. In 1872, the firm (with ‘& Sons’ added) relocated to Alexandra Electro Plate Works, 58-60 Trinity Street.  The partners were Joseph Parker and his sons Thomas Ford Parker (1855-1940) and James Ford Parker (1856-1925).  In 1893, Thomas Ford Parker – the eldest son – assumed sole control of the business, which registered silver marks from Trinity Street in 1897 and 1903.

Joseph Parker, Mushroom Lane, died on 5 August 1915, aged 86, leaving £3,304. The business continued into the 1920s under Thomas. His brother had apparently starting trading alone as a silversmith at 46 (back of) Carver Street. James Ford Parker died on 8 May 1925, leaving £1,117. Joseph Parker & Sons was still apparently in the family’s hands when the firm disappeared from directories in about 1935. Thomas Ford Parker, Ashland Road, died on 9 March 1940 at The Royal Hospital, leaving £6,169.