Manufacturers of articles in gold, silver, bronze, electro-plate and crystallized bases of metals. George Richmond Collis purchased the business from Sir Edward Thomason (c.1769-1849) when Thomason retired in 1835. Originally based at Church Street, Birmingham; in 1854 a branch was opened at 130 Regent Street, London. There was also a branch at Langham Place, Regent Street (c.1847).
A trade card has extensive text: "George Richmond Collis & Co. Late Sir Edward Thomason, Birmingham, Manufacturer of Articles in the Highest Classes of the Arts, in Gold, Silver, Plated, Bronze and Or Molu [sic]. ... N.B. Mr. G.R. Colins {sic} is Consul for Turkey & Vice Consul for France, Russia, Prussia, Portugal, Norway, &c. with the privilage {sic} of granting Passports to Persons visiting France & its Dominions. Strangers of Respectabilty {sic} are Permitted to View the Show Rooms & Manufactory."
The premises in Regent Street were taken over in 1888 by John Bodman Carrington (Carrington & Co). 31 December 1888 Collis & Co disappeared as a separate concern and was absorbed by S.W. Smith & Co.
However, it was from the Regent Street shop that Lord Stanley purchased the Stanley Cup in 1892, by which time it was Carrington & Co.
Grace's Guide has a brief bio of G. R. Collis (c.1810-1881), which has him living at Stourton Castle in 1871.
Source: British Museum, Science Museum, Silver Collection, Grace's Guide.
At the Art UK source this painting is captioned "George Richmond Collis (1816–1872), Father-in-Law of Brooke Robinson, Louis Henri Sebbers (c.1806–1872) Brooke Robinson Museum". Wikipedia's page for Booke Robinson (1836–1911, politician) has "... married Eugenia Collis, the daughter of George Richard Collis of Stourton Castle on 10 March 1870." So, despite the dates discrepancy, we are confident that the painting shows the G. R. Collis who ran the silver goods manufactory and shops.
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