Stepping through the grand gateway of the Wilkens & Söhne GmbH, you travel back in time to a world of craftsmanship and silver. Right here, in this historic manufactory in Hemelingen, Bremen, a legacy of exquisite silverware unfolded. Established in 1810 by master silversmith Martin Heinrich Wilkens, the firm rapidly gained a reputation for its intricate designs and meticulous execution. Its initial workshop in Bremen’s Altstadt hummed with activity, producing and repairing gold and silver pieces, until the arrival of Wilkens’ sons, Diedrich and Carl, transformed the enterprise into a thriving silver-pressing hub.
The Wilkens brothers took the reins around 1830, building upon their father’s artisanal expertise. Diedrich, a skilled mechanic, and Carl, a gifted engraver, propelled the family business forward, producing not just gold and silver items but also pressed silverware components, which found eager markets beyond Bremen’s borders. Their ingenuity extended beyond cutlery and table accessories; they also crafted medals and, remarkably, printed 1.7 million coins for the Bremen state between 1840 and 1861.
The company’s evolution is deeply intertwined with the city’s industrial growth. In 1859, the brothers, seeking more space and cheaper production within the German Customs Union, moved their silverware manufacturing operations to Hemelingen, then a part of the Kingdom of Hanover. To navigate the complicated world of tariffs, they retained their retail presence in Bremen. The move was strategically brilliant, fueling an explosive surge in production. The Wilkens family’s influence extended beyond the factory walls. Their philanthropy and commitment to community betterment are evident in the church and social institutions established in Hemelingen, often through their generous financial support.
Through countless generations, Wilkens & Söhne has held onto the craft of silver making, forging a timeless identity for its tableware that continues to this day. It navigated periods of upheaval, recessions, and world wars, yet emerged stronger, a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the brand. After a period of ownership by Zwilling J. A. Henckels, the Wilkens & Söhne GmbH, as an independent entity, returned to Bremen, and the historic buildings in Hemelingen are now home to both the company’s headquarters and its production facilities. It’s a remarkable saga of family heritage, dedication to craft, and enduring quality, a timeless tale of silver brilliance woven into the fabric of Bremen.