Bateman, Hester

Bateman, Hester

 orig. Hester Needham

Silver coffee pot by Hester Bateman, 1773–74; in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

(credit: Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London)

(born 1709, London, Eng.—died 1794, London) British silversmith. In 1760, after the death of her husband, John Bateman, she took over the family business. Until 1774 she generally executed designs commissioned by other silversmiths. After that time her shop became well known for its tableware, such as spoons, sugar bowls, saltcellars, and teapots. Bateman's designs were restrained and graceful, characterized by beaded edges. In addition to domestic silver, she produced large presentation pieces.