(b Rouen, c. 1630; d London, c. 1700). English goldsmith of French birth. On 21 July 1682 he became the first Huguenot goldsmith to be admitted to the Goldsmiths’ Company in London. The change in taste from the Dutch to the French fashions during the 1680s and 1690s is illustrated by a set of four candlesticks (formerly at Althorp House, Northants) made by Harache in 1683. These are some of the first English candlesticks with faceted, cast baluster stems and are the earliest recorded pieces by him, with the exception of two other pieces hallmarked in the same year: a pair of candlesticks and a jug and cover (both untraced). His surviving pieces show a simplicity of form with the ornament largely applied or engraved (see SILVER, fig. 4). Much of the engraving on silver by Harache is attributed to either Blaise Gentot (1658–1700; e.g. toilet service, 1695; Burghley House, Cambs) or Simon Gribelin II. Harache’s use of cut-card ornament can be seen on two silver-gilt ewers (1697; Leeds, Temple Newsam House) made for Charles Howard, 3rd Earl of Carlisle. Confusion often arises between the work of Pierre Harache and that of his son Pierre Harache (ii) (b 1653; fl 1698–1717), as their registered marks are similar.

• Harache, Pierre, I (c. 1630-1700)
  • England, §IX, 1(iii)(b): Gold and silver, 1661–1729: Form and decoration
  • London, §IV, 2(i): Centre of metalwork production: Gold and silver
  • patrons and collectors
    • Cavendish: (1) William Cavendish, 4th Earl and 1st Duke of Devonshire
  • pupils
    • Pantin, Simon
  • works
    • England, §IX, 1(iii)(a): Gold and silver, 1661–1729: History and uses
    • Huguenots, §2(ii): Work and influence in England
    • Silver, §3(iii): Decorating techniques