Smith, Robert

Liverpool, Lancashire; upholsterer, auctioneer and appraiser (fl. 1787–1810)

At Stanley Street in 1787 but in that year moved to Old Hall Street where he traded in partnership with John Chew at no. 2. They took over the shop at the bottom of Old Hall Street which had formerly been used by Samuel Kirkes.

Smith terminated his partnership with Chew in April 1792 retaining premises in Old Hall Street. In August 1794 he opened an additional shop at 19 Dorman's Lane for the upholstery side of the business, and at the same time commenced trading as an auctioneer using the large shop in Old Hall Street for this purpose [Williamson's Liverpool Advertiser, 2 April 1792, 25 August 1794].

In 1796 at 20 Lord Street. By 1800 he had taken his sons into the business which from now traded as Robert Smith & Sons. The business was at 18 Lord Street, 1800–03. In 1804 the business was trading as Samuel & Thomas Smith at 19 Lord Street. By 1805 the number in Lord Street had changed to 21 and an additional address at 67 Christian Street is mentioned for the first time. At 68 Christian St only, 1807–10.

Source: DEFM