Thomas Bradbury Collection

Thomas George Bradbury (1917-1957) was a silversmith and teacher.  He was educated at the Birmingham School of Art from 1935 until 1941 when upon finishing his studies he was called up for non-combat service and looked after Italian prisoners of war. After the war he became a teacher at the Chelmsford College of Art and set up a company called Huxely-Jones, Bradbury and Holt Limited.  Through the company he was commissioned to create a wide array of silverware for various clients, both private and public and numerous creations of his such as communion chalices and crosses can be found in churches today.

Unfortunately, Thomas fell ill with Hodkins disease and died in 1957 at the age of 40, but his memory was kept very much alive and inspired his siblings, nieces and nephews who kindly donated this collection to the Arts, Design and Media Archive in 2024.  

A photograph showing Thomas Bradbury (left) talking to an unidentified woman.  His friend and colleague Thomas Bayliss  Huxley-Jones is facing right talking to two further unidentified figures, photographer unknown, mid 20^th century.

The Thomas Bradbury collection contains documentation relating to his education, photographs of his silversmith work, designs for items that he made as well as an example of a finished piece. It also contains drawings and mounted notes most likely prepared and used by him during his time as a teacher in Chelmsford. It is a fantastic insight into the career of a mid 20^th century alumni of the Birmingham School of Art.