OUR STORY
Langfords is a family-run business with more than 80 years’ experience in silver and is one of the most respected dealers in the UK. Since 1937, we have been selling antique and modern silverware in every style and from every era to private and corporate clients around the world. We are also known for designing and creating bespoke silver commissions to clients' specific requests.Our heritage and expertise mean we offer a comprehensive range of services embracing all aspects of buying, creating, designing, engraving, restoring, selling and caring for silverware. Langfords also partners with hotels, restaurants, clubs and superyachts to offer a range of bespoke silver and silver-plated products and services. Other professional clients include interior designers, embassies, royal households and worshipful companies. You can find more about our corporate and hospitality services here
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Langfords is a third-generation family business and was founded by May and Lou Langford,
grandparents of the current owners, Joel and Adam. They opened their first shop in
1937 in Newbury,
Berkshire, and during the Second World War sought the underground security of storage at The
Chancery Lane Safe Deposit Company in central London. While Lou was a silversmith, May
was the
driving force behind the business and soon realised that she could encourage her existing
Newbury
customers (mostly serving American officers from the local military bases) to visit the
store rooms.
Other dealers followed suit and The London Silver Vaults was born. It very quickly became,
and
remains to this day, the largest centre for antique silver in the world.
May and Lou’s sons, Laurie and Barry, joined the firm which continued to thrive, now
bringing in
Hollywood stars and royalty from around the world. Barry was soon lured away by the bright
lights of
show business and a successful career in television production while Laurie helped to expand
the
company which now included a specialism in antique model ships. His passion in this
area helped him
become the world’s foremost dealer and expert in the field of marine antiques.
Laurie’s sons, Joel and Adam, now run the silver business from the same location in The
Silver
Vaults and continue to offer the same knowledge and expertise that has been the hallmark of
this
family business for more than 80 years.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Brothers Joel and Adam are the third generation of Langfords to run the family business, taking the helm in 1991. Our overriding philosophy is to employ integrity in the way we run our business and everything we do.
We identify top quality pieces that are excellent examples in their class; or rare, unusual and quirky items. Each piece we buy has to meet our stringent criteria for perfection and has been carefully selected by us and properly vetted. All our antique silver is described correctly and sold in perfect condition to ensure our customers will never be disappointed by the quality.
UNRIVALLED PASSION & EXPERTISE
Joel and Adam are as passionate about contemporary silver as they are antiques. They believe in investing in new design and technology to keep silver relevant as a good looking and modern material for the 21st century. Their vast experience and knowledge of silver has put Langfords in a strong position to be innovative - designing modern pieces for contemporary living - as well as supplying fine antique silver.
Langfords is an active member of the industry's trade association LAPADA . As well as hosting a stand at LAPADA's prestigious Berkeley Square Fair each September, both Joel and Adam have vetted silver at LAPADA's other respected antique fairs across the country.
WE'RE PROUD TO SUPPLY
JOEL LANGFORD’S BOOK:
Silver – a Practical Guide to Collecting Silverware & Identifying Hallmarks
With more than 50 years’ experience in the silver business, Joel Langford has become a well-recognised expert in the industry. His book, "Silver – a Practical Guide to Collecting Silverware & Identifying Hallmarks", has sold more than 70,000 copies worldwide.
