According to the firm's advertisements, Hukin & Heath, manufacturing silversmiths and electroplaters, was established in Birmingham in 1855. Their history is rather more complicated, however, as the author and silver specialist, Peter Cameron has revealed in his recent, wide ranging article, 'The Partnership of Hukin and Heath.' He details the lives and careers of both Jonathan Wilson Hukin (30 May 1811 – 14 August 1891) and his young partner, John Thomas Heath (24 January 1840 – 18 December 1910) who entered the business in 1870. Mr. Cameron also throws a revealing light on the part Dr. Christopher Dresser (4 July 1834 – 24 November 1904) played in developing Hukin & Heath's distinctive designs as well as many other aspects of the firm's activities.