1792 - 1792 – Adrianus Bonebakker acquires the Poorterrecht of Amsterdam
Trial of the Pyx in the Guild’s Chamber. Adrianus Bonebakker is the man on the right.
Trial of the Pyx in the Guild’s Chamber. Adrianus Bonebakker is the man on the right.Watercolour painting by Andries Graffelman, 1807
Portal to the future
In the days of Adrianus Bonebakker starting a trade was not for everyone. Only as ‘Poorter’ of the city one could become a member of a Guild and start a trade. This so-called Poorterrecht (the right to live and trade) was much sought-after.
On 15 June 1792, Adrianus Bonebakker procures this right and becomes a Poorter of the city of Amsterdam. That same day he appears before the dean of the high-counsel of the Amsterdam Guild for Gold and Silversmiths and asks permission to take the master exam to become a member of their Guild. His request is granted and for the mandatory exam, Bonebakker has to create several silver buckles. Four days later he shows his work and is accepted as a master in the Guild, at which time Atelier Bonebakker is established. It is the start of one of the most important jewellery brand names in Dutch history.
