Jane Williams

Jane Williams (née Terry) (2 December 1771 - 17 April 1845) was an Irish silversmith.

Early life Jane Terry was born in Cork, in Munster, Ireland on 2 December 1771, the eldest daughter of Catherine (née Webb) and Carden Terry (1742-1821). She had six younger sisters and two younger brothers. Her father was a silversmith, as was her maternal grandfather Stonewell Webb. She married her father's apprentice John Williams on 6 August 1791 in St Peter's Church, Cork on 6 August 1791 and became known as Jane Williams. Her husband John Williams and her father Carden Terry went into partnership together in October 1791. John Williams died on 13 June 1806, and left Jane with five sons and two daughters.

Williams was the only female silversmith in Cork and created a range of silver, silver gilt and gold items, including cutlery, tableware and freedom boxes. She remained active in the profession until 1821, in which year her father died. Pieces produced by the two are well-regarded for their craftsmanship.

Legacy Two pieces by Williams and Terry are in the collection of the National Museum of Women in the Arts. They are a George II marrow scoop of c. 1810 and a Regency Irish Freedom Box of 1814.