Read, Joseph, London, chairmaker, u and freeman merchant tailor (1771–85?). Receipt dated 11 July 1771 gives address at ‘No. 78, Facing the DIAL, FLEET-MARKET’, and displays the sign of ‘The Chair & Crown’. The receipt was for ‘2 Compting House Stools from Hors Hair’, costing 14s, supplied to a Mr Graham, and signed for Read by John Smith. Read was admitted freeman of the Upholders’ Co. on 6 February 1771. Took apps named George Gibson, 1770– 74, and possibly John Southwell, 1778–85. [V&A archives; GL, Upholders’ Co. records]