Biography for John Brogden

Childhood

His gold work shows outstanding technical ability, particularly in the delicacy of the granulation and filigree used in both his 'archaeological' and his Gothic style jewellery. His work in the Italian archaeological style was particularly commended by Alessandro Castellani in his report on the British jewellery shown at the Paris Exposition in 1878.

Employment

John Brogden was a goldsmith and jeweller. The firm of Brogden & Garland is listed in 1826, from 1835-41 as Garland & Watheson, both based at Bridgewater Square, Barbican. Between 1842-64 he was a partner in the firm of Watherston & Brogden, based at Henrietta Street, Covent Garden. Then in 1864 Brogden took over the premises in Henrietta Street and continued to operate here as a wholesale jeweller under his own name until 1880. From 1881 until 1885 he was working as an 'art goldsmith' at Grand Hotel Buildings, Charring Cross.