| Code | DS/UK/236 |
| Corporate Name | Johnson Matthey & Co. |
| Dates | 1891 - |
| Activity | Johnson Matthey & Co has its origins in the gold assaying business founded in 1817 by Percival Norton Johnson, a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, which was established at Maiden Lane, now part of Gresham Street, in the City of London. In 1822 Johnson moved to Hatton Garden and set up a small gold refinery.. His business expanded rapidly and he was joined in 1851 by George Matthey. Together they widened the scope of their work to include the refining of silver, platinum and palladium.
In 1852 Johnson and Matthey were appointed official assayers, melters and refiners to the Bank of England.
Johnson Matthey & Co was incorporated on 11th April 1891 as assayers, refiners and metallurgical chemists and dealers in gold, platinum, silver, and other precious metals, and in metals and chemicals of all descriptions.
Since the London Gold Market was formed in 1919, Johnson Matthey and Co have been a member.
The company was re-registered as a public limited company on 31st July 1981.
Johnson Matthey Bankers Ltd (JMB) was established in 1965 to conduct the bank and bullion business of Johnson Matthey & Co Ltd. |
| Source | A brief history of Johnson Matthey Group in file 10A191/7. |
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