Oldcorn, Ernest J. (1885-1912)
Oldcorn, Ernest J.
Kendal, Cumbria; carver, cabinet maker (fl.1885-1912)
Ernest Oldcorn trained at Gillow’s in Lancaster before returning to his home town of Kendal to work for A. W. Simpson at The Handicrafts. He was one of the two craftsmen who can be named as having worked on the woodwork and carving at Blackwell, Bowness.
As well as producing work for Simpson he also used the wash house at home as a workshop for the furniture he made for his family’s use. It is known that he bought timber from his boss, Hubert Simpson, for this purpose. He carved the locally famous pig, a copy of which is opposite Kendal Library, and a work cabinet in oak by Oldcorn and Arthur Dixon was displayed by the Arts & Crafts Exhibition Society, London, 1912 (cat. no. 44).
He later became Stanley W. Davies’ foreman, working for him both as his principal carver and cabinet maker.
Sources: Wright, The Beautiful Furniture of The Simpsons of Kendall (2011); Arts & Crafts Exhibition catalogues, 1888-1916.
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