Roberts & Doré History
Roberts and Doré has a distinguished pedigree dating back to 1908 when Tom Roberts, a respected figure in the City of London, wanted to realise his dream of providing the first silverware in the capital. So, with his business partner, James Dore, they founded Roberts and Dore Ltd as manufacturing silversmiths and cutlers. Gathering some of the best craftsmen in the country, Tom and James took on extensive premises in London’s Hatton Garden and founded factories in Sheffield and Birmingham. The company’s reputation soon grew and became established as having the premier silver showrooms in London.
The business was an immediate success. Tom’s renowned refusal to compromise on quality and design soon saw his craftsmen supplying the top London stores and his pieces were exported throughout the World, including special commissions for international royalty, and many governments. He was also responsible for producing a special trophies for the American Kennedy dynasty, and commissions for many old established families and corporate establishments. During the two World Wars, the company’s expertise was harnessed in supplying cutlery and food container to the armed forces.
The company’s old letter headings show “Contractors to H M Government” and they traded extensively with Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States, South Africa, and Spain.
As late as 1990, Roberts and Dore were appointed as exclusive silversmiths to The Royal Guard of Oman, following completion of an extensive contract to supply silverware to H.E The Sultan of Oman’s Officers Mess. They were also commissioned to produce two exact replicas of the “Calcutta Cup” which reside today in Murrayfield and Twickenham rugby museums.
Roberts and Dore are justifiably proud of remaining a true family business, continuing to flourish through three generations of the Roberts family. Trevor, Tom’s son joined in 1926; Henry and Kim, Trevor’s sons joined in 1958 and 1968 respectively.
In 2008 – exactly 100 years after the birth of Roberts and Doré – the Roberts family created a special collection of fine sterling silver, silverplate and rich traditional leather accessories. All designs taken from a back catalogue of their production and with advances in technology they continue to design and create a fine collection of sterling silver and silverplated gifts, keeping alive Tom Roberts’s proud tradition
Where we are today
Although there have been many great changes to the world of retail, Roberts and Dore have maintained their principles of designing and producing original gifts to an exacting standard and uniqueness and have built relationships with many business’s including jewelers, department stores, interior designers, corporate gift suppliers, hotels and hospitality groups.
“We export to a number of countries, and with our ability to react quickly to changes in demand, we are proud of our creations and hope to continue our long history of a well-run family business.
Our belief in building long term relationships with a group of like-minded customers, has stood us in good stead as we look forward to the future.
From the past to the present, Roberts and Dore have stood the test of time. For over 117 years, our company has been at the forefront of design and production of fine quality silverware and gifts and are still controlled and run by the Roberts family.”
Kim Roberts
Managing Director
