Elizabeth Tookey facts for kids

Elizabeth Tookey was a skilled English silversmith who lived in the 1700s. A silversmith is someone who makes things out of silver, like spoons, plates, and other beautiful objects. Elizabeth Tookey became a well-known craftswoman in London.

Early Life and Business

Elizabeth Tookey was married to James Tookey, who was also a silversmith. He specialized in making spoons and other silver items. After James passed away, Elizabeth took over the family business. She continued their work as a spoon maker and silversmith.

Her workshop was located on Silver Street in London, England. It's not known exactly when she officially registered her own silversmith's mark. This mark is like a special stamp that silversmiths use to identify their work.

Elizabeth is thought to have been the mother of Thomas Tookey. Her name appeared by itself on an important list in 1773. This suggests she was running the business on her own. Later that year, her son Thomas seems to have taken over the family silver business. Elizabeth's will, which is a legal document about her belongings, was approved in October 1773.

Famous Silverware Creations

Elizabeth Tookey created many beautiful silver pieces. Some of her work is now in museums and historical homes.

Museum Collections

• A special strainer spoon made by Elizabeth Tookey is kept at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
• The National Museum of Women in the Arts owns several pieces made by her. These include a set of four dessert spoons from 1740. They also have a pair of tablespoons from the same year. Another tablespoon from 1771 is also part of their collection.

Historical Connections

Elizabeth Tookey's silverware also has a connection to American history. A set of tablespoons made by her was owned by Bathurst Skelton. His wife, Martha, brought these silver pieces with her when she married Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson later became the third President of the United States. These historic silver items are now on display at Monticello, Jefferson's famous home in Virginia.