Dobyn(s), Thomas, London, upholder (1722–d. 1765). Trading at George St, Hanover Sq., 1734–65. Son of Thomas Dobyns, vintner of Ruislip, Middlx; app. to Robert Webb on 23 June 1722; admitted freeman of the Upholders’ Co. by servitude on 4 February 1729/30; and master in 1758. Named as a Fellow of the Society for Arts and Manufactures in 1761. Took apps named Harry Skinner, 1732–33; George Corbett, 1734–42; William Burbridge, 1749–57; John Dobyns, 1752–59; Joseph Knight, 1752–59; Edward H. Dobyns 1758–65; John West, 1758–65; and John Hewitt, 1760–67. On 10 May 1731 insured household goods and stock in trade for £300 with the Sun Co. Probably the Thomas Dobyn who was paid £10 10s on 28 September 1747 for a mahogany chair, cabinet, dressing bureau and writing table supplied to Alscot Park, Warks. [V & A archives] Probably also the Dobyn who advertised sale of ‘several dozen chairs from 2/2d to £3 per chair’, in London Advertiser, 1751. On 17 May Thomas Dobyns received £65 19s for an octagonal library table bought by the Earl of Ancaster. [Lincoln RO, 2 ANC 6/6] Thomas Dobyn of George St wrote to James Leigh of Stoneleigh, Warks. on 31 July 1755, acknowledging receipt of payment in full, and apologising for some mistake in the delivery of a sofa. [Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Leigh receipts DR 18/5] Dobyn, upholder of George St placed a notice in General Advertiser, 29 January 1748 and Gazetteer and London Daily Advertiser, 28 August 1756. Died in 1765. [Poll bks; GL, Upholders’ Co. records; GL, Sun MS vol. 32, ref. 53988; Heal]