The London Silver Vaults
An article about the history of the world's largest retail collection of fine antique silver at the London Silver Vaults.
For those of you that love anything silver and are looking for something a little different to do this weekend, why not take the opportunity to visit the London Silver Vaults? It’s home to the world’s largest retail collection of fine antique silver!
Originally opened in 1876 as the Chancery Lane safe deposit, its main purpose was to protect the jewels and household silver of the wealthy residents of London by renting out its strong rooms. By the Second World War however most of the vaults had been taken over by silver dealers wanting secure premises to hold their precious stock. These dealers then set up shop and started selling to the public from the vaults. Word spread of the amazing underground Aladdin’s cave and the Vaults became a ‘must see’ attraction for Londoners and overseas and home grown tourists alike.
The vaults as you see them today have remained pretty much the same since 1953. After descending the flights of stairs you are greeted by a huge vault door before entering the shop area, with around 30 of the vaults taken over by traders for you to explore.
Just a note of warning there are a lot of stairs and no apparent lift down to the vaults, and if you should require the lavatory whilst there, there are yet more stairs involved to get to it, so you may need to call ahead to see if they have a lift before you visit.
As well as obviously selling silver items (mainly English silver, but you will also find specialists selling silver from all around the world) you can also find pieces made from old Sheffield Plate and silver-plate. You can see little novelties such as marmite bottle caps, and intricate antique silver necklaces, to believe it or not a solid silver armchair! You will be able to find contemporary silver pieces as well as something from every period and all manner of design styles.
If you are tempted to buy anything all items are sold with a guarantee to condition and authenticity apparently. As jewellery lovers, and magpies, it’s certainly a nice way to spend an hour or two of time.