John Brogden
British jeweler
About John Brogden
Lived 1820 – 1884 (aged 63–64). John Brogden was an English and British jeweler and jewelry designer.
John Brogden (2 November 1819 – 16 October 1884) was a Victorian-era manufacturing jeweller.
Brogden was born in Islington, the son of Thomas and Ann Brogden. In 1834, he was apprenticed for seven years to a London firm of watch and clockmakers, under master James William Garland, with a workshop in Bridgewater Square. From 1842 to 1864, he was a partner in the firm of Watherston and Brogden (est. 1798), goldsmiths of 16 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden. In 1864 Brogden took over the business and operated under his own name until 1880. Between 1881 and 1885 he worked as an 'art goldsmith' at the Grand Hotel Buildings in Charing Cross.
Brogden was known for his jewelry in revivalist styles, including ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Renaissance designs. His work often featured intricate granulation and filigree techniques, enamel detailing, and gemstone accents. He employed several designers, but one of particular note was Charlotte Newman, who joined the firm in the mid-1860s.
Besides exhibiting jewellery at the 1851 Great Exhibition, Brogden won awards at various exhibitions in Paris and London from the 1850s to the 1870s. His designs were inspired by archaeological and Renaissance objects and he enjoyed royal patronage.
One of Brogden's notable works is a gold archaeological-style bracelet, created circa 1880, which is now part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection.
Brogden died in 1884 and was buried on the western side of Highgate Cemetery.
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Important facts
People in John Brogden's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Brogden?
British jeweler (1820–1884)
When was John Brogden born?
John Brogden was born in 1820.
When did John Brogden die?
John Brogden died in 1884.
What was John Brogden's occupation?
John Brogden was a jeweler and jewelry designer.
What nationality was John Brogden?
John Brogden was English and British.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Brogden (jeweller)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Brogden. https://biography.guide/john-brogden-jeweler/
MLA: "John Brogden." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-brogden-jeweler/.
Chicago: "John Brogden." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-brogden-jeweler/.
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