Magnus, G. E. & Son; Toghill, Magnus, O’Hara and Beeson (1840-1890
Magnus, G. E. & Son; Toghill, Magnus, O’Hara and Beeson
153, 155 & 157 Buckingham Palace Road, London; enamelled slate makers, billiard & bagatelle table makers (fl.1840-1890)
In 1840 Magnus patented a method of enamelling slate and subsequently supplied tops for tables, bookcases, etc., including those for the two bookcases from the John Jones collection and now at the V&A which were made between 1860 and 1863

Bookcase designed by Charles Forster Hayward, with panels painted by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, executed by Howard & Sons, George E. Magnus and Peard & Jackson, London, 1862–3 [1080:1-1882]. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
At the 1862 London International Exhibition Magnus displayed a painted slate billiard table, wall decoration and a fire surround in Etruscan style (illus. Meyer (2006), pp. 133 & 160). After winning a medal at the Exhibition Magnus was employed by Napoleon III for his apartments in the Tuileries and in the chapel at St Cloud.
Listed in the London Post Office Directory 1871 as billiard & bagatelle table makers.
There was a partnership of Toghill, Magnus, O’Hara and Beeson (address not stated) recorded in 1890 as exhibiting a billiard table at The Workman’s Exhibition, Central Hall, Holborn, London [The Furniture Gazette, 15 April 1890]. The relationship with G. E. Magnus & Son of Buckingham Palace Road not known.
Sources: Meyer, Great Exhibitions. London, New York, Paris, Philadelphia. 1851-1900 (2006); files in the Department of Furniture, Textiles & Fashion, V&A.
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