Fayrer (Fryer), Thomas

Lancaster, Lancs. and London; cabinet maker (fl.1787-1800)

The son of Elizabeth Fryer, widow of Lancaster, he was apprenticed to Richard Gillow of Lancaster and Robert of Oxford Street to serve from 18 January 1787. By 1796 Thomas Fayrer was foreman at the Lancaster shop. In January 1796 he was sent to Wythenshaw, Mr.Tatton's house, and to Tatton Park to measure some bergère chairs made in the Oxford Street shop, which Mr. Tatton wanted copies to be made of in Lancaster. Fryer, and a joiner to assist him, were sent to Chirk Castle to put up a billiard table in September 1796. He also worked at two houses nearby at St. Asaph, North Wales, the same month. By 1800 he was signing letters on behalf of the partners in Lancaster, and in the following February he was doing business on Gillows’ behalf.

Source: Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840 (2008), II, p. 235.