Astley, Abraham

‘The Rising Sun’, Harp Alley, Fleet Ditch, London; upholsterer and cabinet maker (fl.1720)

Probably the father of  Isaac Astley who traded at the same address.

A trade label has been recorded on a walnut veneered chest on stand of three long and three short drawers of c.1720. The label states that he ‘Maketh and Selleth all Sorts of Standing-Beds, Feather-Beds, Flock-Beds, Quilts, Rugs, Blankets &c. Also Russia Leather-Chairs, Chests of Drawers, Tables, and Looking-Glasses. He likewise Appraises, Buys and Sells all sorts of Household-Goods at reasonable Rates’ [illus. Gilbert (1996), figs 28 and 29 & Country Life, 13 October 1983].

Source: DEFM; Gilbert, Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840 (1996).