Atkinson, Thomas (1748–1776)
Atkinson, Thomas
'The Sun' south side of St. Paul's Churchyard, London; cabinet maker, upholder and looking-glass maker (fl. 1748–76)
Thomas Atkinson was apprenticed through the London Joiners' Company to John Belchier in June 1741 and made free by servitude in July 1748. The walnut chest of drawers illustrated below is thought to have been his proof piece.
Walnut chest of drawers. The underside of a drawer is dated 1748 and signed ‘Thomas Atkinson’, 1748. Property of Apter-Fredricks Ltd., London
On his trade card he claimed to be the successor ‘to the late Mr. Belcher’. He offered ‘all sorts of Cabinetwork, Chairs, Looking Glasses, Coach Glasses, Spring Curtains, Window Blinds, and all Sorts of Upholstery Goods’, He is recorded in the City of London Licence books employing nonfreemen, the number permitted rising to eight for the period 1764–76. In 1773 he was operating from 3 Broadway, Blackfriars, near Ludgate Street while his house was being rebuilt. An account for the supply of two neat night tables costing £5 5s, dated 25 September 1755, is recorded at the British Museum.
Trade card of Thomas Atkinson at the Sun ye South side of St Pauls opposite the Clock, London'. Bill at back dated 1755 [Heal,28.3]. © The Trustees of the British Museum
Subscribed to Chippendale's Director, 1754.
Source: DEFM, Lindey, ‘Apprenticeships in the London Joiners' Company, 1640-1720’, Regional Furniture (2008).
The original entry from Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, 1660-1840 can be found at British History Online.
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