From 1750 to 1850, Montreal was one of the main trade silver-producing centres in Canada; thousands of pieces were made here. One of the city's most famous silversmiths was Robert Cruickshank, who emigrated from Scotland in 1773. Cruickshank had a very busy professional life, indicated by his associations with other craftsmen and his many apprentices. He had a home and an adjacent shop on Notre-Dame Street. With his popular innovative style, he was able to compete with American and British silversmiths of the day.