Chapman, Thomas (1748-1780)
Chapman, Thomas
17 Old Bethlem (Bedlam), London; cabinet maker and bedstead maker (fl. 1748–80)
Apprenticed to the upholder, John Price of London, in September 1741 for seven years.
Subscribed to Chippendale's Director, 1754.
Trade card of Thomas Chapman In Old Bedlam, near Moorfields LONDON. Maketh and Selleth all sorts of Mahogany Tea & Dining Tables, Chamber - Tables, Tea Boards, Waiters and Tea-Chests, likewise all sorts of bed Carving and Joyners Work, as Bed Cornishes, Window-Cornishes, Teasters and Head Boards, Settes, Beauroes, and Field Beds, at Reasonable Rates, c. 1760 [Heal,28.37]. © The Trustees of the British Museum
Already trading on his own account by 1758 when he was licensed to employ four non-freemen for six months. From this date until 1775 he was a frequent employer of such labour and in 1760 was using as many as thirteen non-freemen in his business [The London Archives (TLA), City Licence books, vols 2, 8].
In 1779 his workshop, utensils and stock were insured for £375, out of an entire insurance of £700 [The London Archives (TLA), Sun MS vol. 275, p. 11].
Last listing in London City Directory as a cabinet maker at 17 Old Bethlem in 1780 [TLA].
Source: DEFM
The original entry from Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, 1660-1840 can be found at British History Online.