Omar Ramsden, born in Sheffield in 1873, was one of the foremost British silversmiths of the early 20th century. After graduating from the Sheffield School of Art, he moved to London in 1897 with his close friend and business partner Alwyn Carr (1872–1940). Together, they established the St. Dunstan’s Studio in west London, where their partnership, Ramsden & Carr, flourished.

The duo’s collaboration produced some of the most exquisite examples of Arts and Crafts silver and jewellery until the outbreak of the First World War, when Carr enlisted with the Artists’ Rifles. Following the war, their partnership came to an end, and Ramsden continued his practice independently at St. Dunstan’s.

Although inspired by the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement, Ramsden took a more pragmatic approach to production. His workshop operated on a traditional, hierarchical model, with clearly defined roles and the frequent use of subcontractors. From early in his career, he recognised that his true strengths lay in design, organisation, and leadership, rather than in the physical crafting of silver. Surrounding himself with exceptionally skilled artisans, Ramsden transformed his studio into one of the most prolific and respected silversmithing workshops in Britain.

His distinctive mark “Omar Ramsden me Fecit” (Latin for “Omar Ramsden made me”)—appears on countless surviving works, proudly echoing the signatures of medieval and Renaissance masters and affirming his belief in the artistry and dignity of craftsmanship.

Leslie Gordon Durbin

Among the highlights of the auction is a remarkable silver dress ring by Omar Ramsden, depicting a soldier and a nymph holding a shield. The piece bears the inscription “Omar Ramsden Me Fecit, Given by Leslie Durbin,” linking two of Britain’s most distinguished silversmiths.

Leslie Gordon Durbin was born in Fulham, London, in 1913. At just thirteen, he demonstrated exceptional talent by winning a London County Council Trade Scholarship to study silversmithing at the Central School of Arts and Crafts (CSAC).

When he completed his studies in 1929, Durbin was recommended to the celebrated silversmith Omar Ramsden, who accepted him as an apprentice. To Durbin’s initial disappointment, his training focused on chasing, engraving, and decorating precious metals rather than on general silversmithing, the craft he most aspired to master. Determined to expand his skills, he continued to attend evening classes at the CSAC, developing the versatility that would later define his work.

After completing his apprenticeship, Durbin remained with Ramsden for several years, deepening his artistry and technical mastery. In 1938, he received a scholarship from the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, allowing him to pursue an additional year of advanced study at the CSAC.

By the 1950s and early 1960s, Leslie Durbin had risen to prominence as Britain’s leading silversmith, admired for his craftsmanship, design innovation, and contribution to the revival of fine metalwork in the 20th century.

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Auction Details

Wednesday 19 November 2025, 10.30am GMT
Dreweatts, Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE, UK

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