Craig, John

Paterson Street, Glasgow, Scotland; turner, carver, fret-cutter, furniture maker (fl.1866-1919)

Craig (b.1842, Largs, Ayrshire - d.1920, Pollokshields) was first listed in the Glasgow Post Office Directory, 1866, as fret-cutter, turner and stair-railer working at 50 Paterson Street, Kingston. By 1874 the firm had moved to 94 Paterson Street and the census 1881 recorded Craig employing 40 men and 10 boys. In 1891 he was elected Deacon of the Incorporation of Wrights at Glasgow’s Trades’ House, and by 1905 the firm had become John Craig & Sons. Craig retired in 1919 and the business was continued two of his sons, John jnr. and William; ultimately it was wound up in 1951.  

Some of the furniture, designed by C.R. Mackintosh, for the Cranston Tea Rooms and possibly The Hill House, was produced by John Craig.

Sources: Jackson, Scottish Furniture 1500-1914 (2024); additional information supplied by Stephen Jackson.