Blakesl(e)y (Blaksley), Robert

York; carver, gilder and composition maker (fl.1770–87)

Working in partnership with James Officer before 1772, the partnership being dissolved in that year. Admitted freeman of York by order in 1776, after being threatened with prosecution for not taking up his freedom. At that time recorded in Micklegate, but in Coney St by 1787. Took apps named Robert Tomlinson, admitted freeman in 1789; Mark Barfe, freeman in 1784; John Hunsley, later turned over to Robert Tomlinson, freeman in 1795; and Joseph Baskett, freeman of Sheffield in 1795. Blakesley was much employed by John Carr for ornamental carving and composition work. Engaged in 1772 at Thirsk Hall in company with James Henderson and Dodsworth, the latter another York carver. At Chatsworth his work included ‘3 window cornices carved & gilt with burnished gold at £5.15s.6d’. [Chatsworth papers, voucher 77, 5/12/85]. At Wentworth Woodhouse in 1784 John Carr suggested that the gilding in the new Drawing Room should be executed by Blakesley who would do it ‘as well as anybody out of London’.

Sources: DEFM; Wragg, The Life and Works of John Carr (2000), p. 79.