A GEORGE II SILVER-GILT INKSTAND

Elizabeth Godfrey, also known as Eliza Godfrey and Elizabeth Buteux, was the daughter of Simon Pantin, a renowned Huguenot silversmith, with whom she trained. She left an important body of work known for its high quality and sophisticated style influenced by the Huguenot silversmithing traditions. Godfrey married twice, both her husbands were silversmiths with whom she partnered in her business, first Abraham Buteux and later Benjamin Godfrey, who is believed to have been in her employ. Her workshop produced many magnificent rococo pieces commissioned by her clientele which included the Duke of Cumberland. Her trade card, which describes her as 'Goldsmith, Silversmith, and Jeweller, [who] makes and sells all sorts of plates, jewels, and watches, in the newest taste at the most reasonable rates.'