San(d)ford, William

Exeter, Devon; cabinet maker (fl. 1816–25)

At 33 Holloway Street (1816–19), an address given on a trade card (John Johnson Collection, Bodleian Library) on which his name is printed as ‘Sanford’; 212 High St from February 1820. By 1821 the number had changed to 209.

His trade card [Johnson Collection, Bodleian Library, Oxford] from the Holloway Street address is illustrated with an engraving of the premises, a double-fronted shop with three storeys above labelled ‘Holloway House’. He declared himself to be an ‘Upholsterer, Cabinet & Chair Manufacturer, Carpet & London Paperhanging Warehouse’. He also performed funerals.

He travelled regularly to London to select stock and typically in November 1821 advertised his stock of ‘Brussels, Persian and Kidderminster carpets and rugs, rich Moreens and London paper hangings selected by himself in London a few days since. He also selected some of the newest and most tasteful designs in upholstery and cabinet furniture’.

In 1819 he stated that one of his London suppliers of stock was W. & A. Copp. He also acted as agent for the sale and letting of property.

His retirement was advertised in December 1825 and he disposed of the business to Henry Force.

Sources: Stabler, ‘Furniture Makers' Trade-Cards and Bill-Heads in the John Johnson Collection’, FHS Newsletter (May 2007).