Silver crucifix made by Richard Joyce in 1710 for the Dominican Sisters, Galway.
From the Hearth Money roll for Galway in 1724, Richard Joyce was known to have resided in Shop Street, Galway and from the marks on various pieces, was producing silverware from 1691 until at least 1737 – Joyce also used the mark for Galway town, an anchor in a shaped stamp (Mulveen 1994, 51; Ticher 1977). Some of the earliest Claddagh rings also bear the initials of Richard Joyce. According to tradition, Joyce learned his trade from a Turkish goldsmith. Having been captured en route to the West Indies by an Algerian corsair or pirate, Joyce was purchased in Algiers by a wealthy Turk who taught him his trade. Joyce eventually returned to Galway where he established his own goldsmith shop (Hardiman 1820).
Hardiman, J., 1820 The history of the town and county of the town of Galway: from the earliest period to the present time. Dublin.
Mulveen, J., 1994 Galway Goldsmiths, their marks and ware. Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society 46, 43-64.
Ticher, K., 1977 Galway Silver in a Dominican Convent. The Antique Dealer and Collectors Guide, October 1977.
