Skip to main content

Hawkes, J. & O. C. (1879-1886)

Hawkes, J. & O. C.

123-129 Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham, Warks. (factory & showrooms) & 12 King Street, Cheapside, London (offices & showrooms); looking glass & picture frame makers, looking glass manufacturers, coal box manufacturers (fl.1879-1886)

A fire broke out at the Hawkes’ premises [The Furniture Gazette, 11 January 1879]. On 3 September 1881 The Furniture Gazette reported their visit to the new factory in Bromsgrove Street, which was said to be the largest looking glass manufactory in the UK and possibly the world. The premises comprised a quadrangle of buildings, with a spacious central yard covered in glass, and the entrance featured a clock tower.

A full description was given of the types of looking glass manufactured, the finishing techniques of the glass including painting and burning, and the use of a carving machine as well as hand carving in the production of frames and cornice poles. Also a new invention of coal boxes with bevelled and brilliant cut-glass panels in the lid. Glass was also produced for glazing purposes. The Furniture Gazette, 12 November 1881, illustrated six wood coal boxes of the firm’s production .

Image
Advertisement in furniture Gazette

An advertisement featuring an image of the new factory and Hawkes’ range of looking glasses, jardinieres, console tables and glass mounts for 'Duchesse Tables' etc. Published in The Furniture Gazette, 8 July 1882, p. xi. 

The firm was listed in The Furniture Gazette: Classified List of the Furniture, Upholstery, and Allied Trades (1886).