Ker Reid William - 1787, 1868; was a distinguished British silversmith, renowned for his craftsmanship and significant contributions to the silver trade in both Newcastle upon Tyne and London during the 19th century. Born on August 14, 1787, William was the son of Christian Ker Reid, who established a silversmith business in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1778. The Reid family had strong ties to the Barnard family, another prominent lineage in the silversmith trade. William married Mary Barnard, daughter of Edward Barnard I, and their union produced thirteen children. This alliance further strengthened the collaboration between the two families.
In 1812, William moved to London and entered into a partnership with Joseph Craddock, forming the firm Craddock & Reid, located at 67 Leather Lane. He obtained his freedom of the Goldsmiths' Company by Redemption in 1814 and was made a Liveryman in 1818. This partnership succeeded previous firms and continued until 1825, after which William established his own business on Chancery Lane. In 1847, his son Edward Ker Reid joined him, and the firm became W.K. Reid & Son. The business relocated to Fleet Street in 1874, where it remained until Edward's death in 1886.
Despite his relocation to London, William maintained his status as an absent partner in the family business, Reid & Sons, in Newcastle until 1858. Reid & Sons, founded by his father, continued to flourish under the management of his brothers and later generations, becoming renowned for their high-quality silverware and timepieces.
William Ker Reid's work is celebrated for its exceptional quality and design. His pieces, often hallmarked in London, include a variety of silver items such as dining table suites, soup tureens, and sauce tureens. These items are highly sought after by collectors and are featured in various antique collections.
William Ker Reid passed away in 1868, leaving behind a rich heritage in the world of silversmithing that continues to be recognized and appreciated to this day.
