The family business was set up in 1815 by William Chawner and his silver workshop became the most dominant force in silver flatware production through the 19th century. Apprenticed to the William Eley and William Fearn partnership for 7 years from 1797, he became the third partner of this company in 1808. The experience from this top-quality partnership provided him with the knowledge to set up his own workshop at 16 Hosier Lane, London to produce some of the finest quality silver spoons and forks of the period.