What began as a small drapery business founded in central London by John Barker in 1870, would eventually become one of the city's largest and most well-known department stores. Indeed, Barkers of Kensington established Kensington High Street as one of London's principal shopping destinations for most of the twentieth century.

When it opened, Barkers of Kensington "comprised sixty-four departments, selling goods of all kinds including clothes, books, stationery, fancy goods, furniture, carpets, china and glass, groceries, wine and spirits and cigars. The store also had departments for drug-dispensing, building, plumbing and refreshment catering."

As Barkers of Kensington's popularity with the shopping public grew, so did its presence and by 1895 they had acquired virtually every other property on High Street. Eventually three large department stores would dominate the London retail scene on Kensington High Street: Barkers, Ponting Brothers and Derry & Toms with its famous roof garden - all owned by Barkers of Kensington.

Fashions change and after over 135 years as one of the premier department stores, Barkers closed their doors forever in 2006. 

Made exclusively for use in the tearoom at Barkers of Kensington department store, we are pleased to present a small collection of vintage silverplate tea and coffee pots. Produced by the great Gladwin Silversmiths of Sheffield, each piece is crested with the Barkers of Kensington name. Recalling the years of service at one of London's great department stores, these delightful pots are sure to be at your service whenever you're in need of a coffee or tea break!

---

Strictly limited quantities and subject to prior sale. Circa 1930. In very good original condition. Measurements: Smaller Tea Pot (A) is 4"H x 7"D and holds 15 ounces; Larger Tea Pot (B) is 5"H x 8"D and holds one pint; Coffee Pot (C) is 6"H x 6"D and holds 15 ounces. Please choose specific pot from the drop down menu above.

Learn More about Hotel Silver

Once found in Grand Hotels, chic cafés, elegant restaurants as well as luxury steamships and the dining cars of the great locomotives, vintage hotel silver beautifully evokes the Golden Age of Travel. Enduringly crafted using sturdy nickel silver as its base metal and coated with a thick plating of pure, gleaming silver, vintage hotel silver is unmistakeable for its simple, classic lines and its pleasing heft. Often crested with the name of the establishment, the pieces bear the gentle, lovely patina often referred to as a “butler’s finish”.

Produced by the great silversmiths here in the United States, as well as those in Britain and on the Continent, most hotel silver dates from the 1920s to the 1940s. Prized for its perfect blend of form and function, hotel silver was made to withstand the rigors of daily use. Highly collectible, vintage hotel silver is a wonderful addition to any home.

Evoking the days of elegant travel, there are many new ways that hotel silver can be enjoyed. A milk pitcher or sugar basin makes an elegant vase for flowers or fresh herbs on the kitchen counter. A collection of oval platters adds sparkle and depth in a hutch when not being called into service for a buffet or dinner party. A toast rack becomes the perfect way to display photographs, hold fingertip towels in a powder room or organize mail in the office. Mix and match cutlery brings a relaxed sophistication and elegance to any tablescape. Whatever the piece, vintage hotel silver is sure to stir memories not only of your own travels, but of exotic destinations and ports of call from parts unknown.