Crawford, Hamilton & Hunter

Calder Works, Lochwinnoch, Beith, Scotland; chair makers, cabinet makers (fl.1881-97)

The Calder Works, covering over half an acre, was established by Crawford, Hamilton & Hunter in 1881. The firm was sometimes referred to as Hunter, Hamilton & Crawford, and became renowned for the manufacture of ship chairs. 

In 1888 one of their employees, Joseph Johnstone left and founded the Viewfield Works, which over the years became the largest chair manufactory in the area. After a devastating fire in 1897 James Hunter alone rebuilt the Calder Works, whilst Hamilton and Crawford constructed the Lochhead Works, which was eventually bought by Johnstone. 

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