Norton, Alexander

London; upholsterer and cabinet maker (fl.1822–45)

Recorded in 1822 at 14 Bulstrode St, Manchester Sq. and listed as upholsterer in the 1845 London Post Office Directory at 27 Edwards Street, Portman Square. Insurance records suggest that the business was of substantial dimensions. In 1822, out of a total cover of £1,200, workshops were insured for £300 and stock and utensils here and in his house were covered for £700. By the following year this latter figure had been raised to £1,000. [Guildhall Library, Sun MS vol. 493, refs 991156, 995077; vol. 498, ref. 1010032; vol. 499, ref. 1010791]. A labelled mahogany wine cooler, sold Christie’s 6 April 1995, lot 40, and a mahogany card table, both dating to c. 1830, are illustrated in Gilbert (1996), figs. 693-695.

Sources: DEFM; Gilbert, Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840 (1996).