Birkett, Thomas snr & jnr

Lancaster and Manchester, Lancs.; cabinet makers (fl.1759-1802)

There were at least two Thomas Birketts working for Gillows between 1759 and 1802. Thomas Birkett snr became a freeman of Lancaster in 1759-1760. He made a set of four elbow chairs with diamond pattern backs and plain legs in June 1780 at 7s 10d per chair. He was further named in the Gillow records between 1786 and 1801. He was recorded in the Gillows Petty Cash Book on 21 February and 7 March 1789 and in their Petty Ledger for 1780-96. Some of the later entries could related to Thomas jnr. In 1786 the cabinet maker Thomas Birkett of Lancaster and his son, Thomas, voted in the election. Thomas Birkett, probably Thomas jnr, was also listed in the Gillow’s Petty Ledger for 1802-04, described as being ‘from Manchester’.

Sources: DEFM; Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840 (2008), II, p. 219.