Hester Bateman was a successful woman silversmith. She learnt her trade from her husband and set up in her own right on his death in 1760. It is likely that she managed the workshop rather than made the silver herself. The firm produced cheaper, thin gauge domestic tableware using a limited range of ornament for largely middle class customers. Members of her family, such as her daughter-in-law Ann and her son Peter, joined the business and continued it after her retirement in 1790. Insurance documents for 1802 show that the firm, with its own steam operated flatting mill, was one of the most technologically advanced in London. Bateman silver was exported to retailers and customers all over England and North America.