Lawson & Raphael Clarke were notable British designers and silversmithing innovators of the early 20th century, best remembered for their contribution to Art Deco cocktail culture through the creation of the iconic Master Incolor shaker.

Lawson Clarke and Raphael Clarke joined the long-established firm Wilson & Gill in 1924, following in their fathers’ footsteps as the second generation of the Clarke family to work within the company. The brothers worked closely together for many years, and Lawson later became President of the National Association of Goldsmiths, reflecting the family’s continued influence within the trade.

In 1934 the brothers patented what would become their most celebrated design: the Master Incolor cocktail shaker. First manufactured in England in 1935, it embodied the modern streamlined aesthetic of the Art Deco period. The shaker featured a rotating drum displaying eight fashionable cocktail recipes of the day, while its specially engineered spout, described at the time as “magical”, ensured a perfectly clean pour without spillage. This innovation was entirely unique to the Master Incolor and is a major reason for its enduring appeal.

Today the Master Incolor is recognised as a classic of Art Deco design and is highly sought after by collectors of fine barware and 20th century decorative arts.

For further historical context see makers Wilson & Gill.