History of Hester Clarke

Hester Clarke - A Tradition of Excellence and Value since 1892 Hester Clarke can truly be said to be a family business, with the past four generations closely linked within the trade, many of whom have played, or are playing, important roles in the various Trade Associations.

First Generation

Wilson and Grace c1900

1892 Wilson and Gill founded in Regent Street, London

1913 Victor Clarke joined as the third partner

1924 Victor Clarke becomes the sole proprietor

Second Generation

1924 The two sons Lawson and Raphael join Wilson and Gill

1942 Lawson Clarke gains his F.G.A.

1946 Wilson and Gill become a limited company

1947 Victor died

Third Generation Hester and Sons, c.1938

1955 Christopher Clarke joins Wilson and Gill having trained at Biggs of Farnham

1967 Family decide to close Wilson and Gill and relocate

1969 Lawson, Christopher and Ann buy out Raymond Hester of Hester and Sons in Aylesbury and Princes Risborough

1969 Hester and Sons becomes Hester Clarke Ltd

Fourth Generation

1977 Nicola Clarke - Director of Hester Clarke. Joins Hester Clarke having trained at George Tarratt's, Leicester. RJ Dip, NAG Institute of Registered Valuers No 62991

1979 Julia Clarke - Managing Director of Hester Clarke. Joins Hester Clarke having trained at E W Payne, Bromley. FGA, RJDip FNAG.

Trade Connections

Victor Clarke 16 Temple Street c.1969

1922/23 President & Chairman of National Association of Goldsmiths (N.A.G)

1925 Freeman and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers

1925 Freeman of City of London

1931/43 Hon. Treasurer Gemological Association

1943/46 Chairman Gemological Association

Lawson Clarke

1923 Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Spectaclemakers

1925 Freeman of City of London

1949/50 Chairman of National Association of Goldsmiths

1956 Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers

1950/83 Hon. Treasurer Gemological Association

1957/77 President of National Association of Goldsmiths

Christopher Clarke

1954 Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Spectaclemakers

1954 Freeman of City of London

1963 Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths

1967 Vice Chairman National Association of Goldsmiths

1968 Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers (Was Master in 1992)

1970 Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers

Nicola Clarke

1984 Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers (Was a Steward in 2004)

1988 Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers

1988 Freeman of City of London

1988 Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Spectaclemakers

2005 Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths

Julia Clarke

1984 Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers (Was a Steward in 2009)

1985 Freeman of City of London

1988 Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers

1989 Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Spectaclemakers

1993 Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths

2005 & 2006 Judge for Pewter Live (Student design competition by the Worshipful Company of Pewterers)

2007 Joined the Advisory Board for International Jewellery London (The UK’s major jewellery trade fair)

2009 Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths

2009 Joined the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths Promotion Committee

2011 Joined the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths Membership Committee

Worshipful Company of Clockmakers

Victor, Lawson and Raphael were, Christopher, Nicola and Julia are Liverymen.

Hester Clarke at Cambridge Street

Christopher was Master in 1992

Nicola was a Steward in 2004

Julia was a Steward in 2009

Worshipful Company of Spectaclemakers

Lawson was, Christopher, Nicola and Julia are Freemen

Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths

Christopher and Nicola are Freemen

Julia is a Liveryman, and serves on the Promotion Committee and the Membership Committee