John Blades The name first appears in the London Guide from 1783 at 5 Ludgate Hill. Blades remained at this address until his death in 1829 and his business was continued by Francis Jones and his son until 1857.
Blades was perhaps unique in his field in retaining the service of a designer. It is known that J.B. Papworth the architect was closely involved with innovative designs and was credited with the invention of the rule-cut drop the architect also designed new showrooms for the firm in 1823. A print in Akerman's Depository of the art shows the shop filled to capacity. The firm built up extensive connection abroad notably in the Middle-East and India where, eventually a branch firm, Blades & Mattews was established in Calcutta.
Works By Blades are of the finest quality with exceptional craftsmanship from the brilliant finish to their cut-glass elements and the fabulous gilt finishes they achieved.
