Kent, William (1810-21)
Kent, William, Carpenter's Hall, 67 London Wall, London, u and cm (c. 1810–21). Son of Abbot Kent and app. to him on 1 October 1788. Free of the Upholders’ Co. by servitude, 6 July 1796 and probably entered the service of Kent & Luck immediately after. He was recognised as a partner by 1810 and from about this date took over his father's responsibilities in the firm. By 1820 however he is shown trading on his own behalf from the London Wall address in directories. An advertisement placed by William Kent in the Times in July 1821 however shows that this is misleading. He was in fact still in partnership with Samuel Luck, and also another brother who was probably Samuel. William Kent appears to have been responsible for the cabinet making and upholstery side of the business while Samuel Luck and Samuel Kent were responsible for the carpet warehouse which had always been an important feature of the firm's trade. In July 1821 William Kent made a decision to retire and as a consequence the stock of ‘mahogany and rosewood furniture, four post bedsteads with chintz and other hangings, best seasoned goose feathers &c.’ was sold off at reduced prices. The carpet warehouse was continued from the London Wall address and appears in subsequent directories. Despite the announcement of William Kent's retirement from the business the insurance effected on 5 November 1821 to cover stock valued at £1,400 was in the name of William Kent of Clapton, upholder. Associated with him in the policy was Samuel Luck described as of ‘Carpenters Hall’ and William Pearson of London Wall. No commissions of importance are recorded for this period though Kent & Luck are listed amongst the creditors of Zachariah Button Esq. deceased of Belmont Castle, Essex. The invoice in question was dated 1 November 1815 and was for £5 1s for carpets. [D; GL, Upholders’ Co. records; Times, 6 July 1821; PRO, C13 283/34]