Gilbert, Sarah

London; upholsterer (fl. 1729–41) 

Probably the widow of John Gilbert of St Giles, London who died in 1729. 

She was recorded in the Royal Household accounts, 1729–36, and in this period supplied bedding, re-upholstered chairs and carried out repairs at Hampton Court, Kensington Palace, St James's Palace and the Houses of Parliament. 

• 1729-33, 48 turkey work chairs and 3 large arm chairs en suite for the House of Commons Committee Room 
• 1731–32 she made up a green damask four post standing bed, the frame supplied by Henry Williams, at a cost of £30 for Hampton Court. Supplied 108 turkey work chairs, 2 Russia leather folding stools for the clerks and 7 turkey carpets for the House of Peers 
• 1733 was responsible for the decoration of the ‘French Chapel’ for the marriage of the Princess Royal to the Prince of Orange. 

From 1736–41 she was in partnership with the upholder, William Reason [TNA, LC9/288–90; Winterthur, Delaware, Symonds, 75×64.14 p. 190; Old Furniture, 11, 1927, p. 183; Connoisseur., April 1934, p. 224].

Source: DEFM