Blades, Thomas,

London, cabinet maker and upholder (fl.1774–1822)

Trading in St James's Mkt, 1774; 114 Jermyn St, 1790–93; and 177 Piccadilly, 1796–1822. In partnership with his son from 1799–1802, and with Palmer, 1803–22. Took out a Sun Insurance policy in 1780 for £800, utensils, stock and goods accounting for £300, and workshop for £200. Subscribed to Sheraton's Drawing Book, 1793, and named with Palmer in Sheraton's list of master cabinet makers, 1803. Trade label of ‘BLADES & SON, PICCADILLY’ recorded on a George III satinwood drop-leaf ‘bonheur-du-jour’ veneered in rosewood and mahogany with tulip wood banding (illus. Gilbert (1996), fig. 124, sold Phillips’, 29 July 1975, lot 100). A trade label is also recorded on a secretaire cabinet in tulipwood and satinwood, c.1800 (illus.  Gilbert (1966), figs 123a and 125. Portable water closet in mahogany cabinet by Blades & Palmer, c. 1810, recorded with directions for use (illus. Gilbert (1996), figs 126-127 and Antique Collecting, April 1979).

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