Peter Archambo I

Who was Peter Archambo I?

Peter Archambo I in his time Peter Archambo, was a Huguenot silver and goldsmith. He was the English-born son of the Huguenot refugee Archambault family from France. In 1710 he was apprenticed to the notable Huguenot goldsmith Jacob Margas.

The sons of Huguenot immigrants were often apprenticed to masters of Huguenot origin, benefitting from their master's manufacturing skill and design knowledge and thus were in a position to develop the ideas and designs brought by their masters from France. Huguenot silver is noted for its fine workmanship and design elements including strap work, cut card work, and cast and applied ornaments and decoration with elaborate engraving.

Archambo's work is described as French in influence and he is credited with helping to introduce the Rococo style into England.

After serving as apprentice for ten years to Jacob Margas he became a Freeman of the Butchers' Company on 7 December 1720. He first registered his mark in London in 1721, his second mark in 1722 and his third mark in 1739 and is thought to have retired around 1750 and to have died c. 1759.