04/06/2026
On this day one year ago, J Surtees Ltd had the distinct honour of presenting a historic royal commission to His Majesty King Charles III at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace.
To commemorate His Majesty's coronation, our workshop was entrusted with reproducing a sacred, historic sterling silver ciborium. The original artefact could not leave the secure custody of the Chapel Royal. Our team was required to document and replicate every intricate detail entirely on-site.
The project, led by Simon Surtees, united an elite group of London's master craftspeople:
Tim Lukes – Master Silversmith, who meticulously formed the structure.
Sam James – Celebrated Engraver, who executed the first recorded use of the new Royal Cypher on commissioned ecclesiastical silver.
Steven Wood - Notable Gilder of fine silverware, with an extraordinary ability to colour match and finish gold plate.
The piece also bears a unique legacy hallmark, marking the transition of our family business from John Surtees to his son, Simon, under the centuries-old oversight of the Goldsmiths’ Company.
Over the next few days, we invite you behind the scenes of this historic commission. We will be sharing an exclusive three-part look into the precise skills of the silversmith, the engraver, and the gilder who brought this masterpiece to life.