Haselwood learned silversmithing skills from her husband, Arthur Haselwood II.

In 1565, a town mark (the stamp with which smiths “sign” a piece, often seen alongside marks identifying the date and creator) was established for use by silversmiths, making Norwich only the second provincial town in England, after York, to have its own mark. Silver was produced in Norwich only until 1702, so objects bearing the town’s mark are rare. Norwich is highly regarded for the quality of its silver output, but very few pieces survive today, especially secular objects.

After the death of her husband, in 1684, Haselwood registered her own mark and continued in the family business. It is likely that she employed craftsmen, but the silver pieces produced in her workshop all bear her personal stamp, a crown above the initials EH.

Haselwood left her workshop to her son, Arthur Haselwood III, and died in 1715 at age 71. Her William III tobacco box is the oldest object in NMWA’s silver collection.