Kate Harris Overview

Born in Roade, Northamptonshire in 1878, she studied in London (including at the Royal College of Art) and went on to produce celebrated designs for leading silversmiths and retailers at the turn of the 20th century. 

Harris is especially noted for her designs for William Hutton & Sons, creating artistic silver pieces around 1899 to c.1905; often with flowing, organic lines, stylised florals, and elegant female-profile motifs that feel unmistakably Art Nouveau. Her work received contemporary attention in publications such as The Studio, and today it’s admired for its originality, craftsmanship, and rarity.

Sell Katie Harris Silver 

If you own a piece attributed to Katie Harris, we welcome submissions for a fast, expert valuation. Demand for British Art Nouveau silver is strong, and Harris designs have become a specialist collector area, with standout pieces frequently appearing in design and silver sales.

Why Katie Harris Items Are Collectible

Collectors actively seek Katie Harris works for several reasons:

• Recognised design importance: She’s widely regarded as a key designer for William Hutton & Sons during the high point of English Art Nouveau silver.

• Short design window = scarcity: Many of the most desirable designs date to a relatively narrow period (around 1899–1905), making genuine examples harder to find. 

• Distinctive motifs and style: Her pieces often feature refined, flowing Art Nouveau forms, exactly what collectors of the period want.

• Proven market interest at auction: Items attributed to Harris are routinely catalogued and sold through established auction channels, helping values remain visible and competitive.

What We Can Value for You

We regularly see interest in (and can value) pieces such as:

• Silver hand mirrors, dressing table pieces, and vanity items

• Caskets/boxes, vesta cases, small containers, and bijouterie

• Enamelled items, buckles, and decorative accessories

• Pieces made by William Hutton & Sons or retailed through other names (some Hutton production was sold via retailers), where design attribution matters as much as the maker’s mark.

Submit Your Item for a Wilson55 Valuation

Getting the attribution right can make a major difference to saleability and price. Condition, hallmarks, maker/retailer stamps, date letters, size, and design pattern all play a part, so a specialist look is worthwhile.

Submit clear photos (front, back, hallmarks, any signatures/marks, and overall size), and we’ll advise on:

• likely attribution,

• current auction demand,

• and the best route to sale.

   

Start your valuation today – upload photos and details of your item and our specialist James Spiridion will get in touch. Simply email james.spiridion@wilson55.com or fill in our online valuation form below.

Meet the Expert

James Spiridion

Auctioneer and valuer specialising in Modern Design. James has recently returned to the North West after spending the last few years as a valuer in Scotland, during that time James also featured on Paul Martin's Auction Showdown for Channel 5 as a 'Rival Auctioneer'.

Email: james.spiridion@wilson55.com