Stoakes, William,

Manchester & Liverpool, Lancashire; carver, gilder, looking glass manufacturer, bronze figure manufacturer & auctioneer (fl.1794-1823)

Stoakes was listed as a carver and gilder at 19 St Mary's Gate, Manchester in 1794. 

A looking-glass manufacturer, bronze figure manufacturer and auctioneer called William Stoakes was recorded in Liverpool (1801–23). He maintained a shop and manufactory in Church Street, the number being 41 (1804); 48 (1805); 55 (1811–13); 57 (1816); and 62 (1821). An additional manufactory was maintained in Dover Street (1813–14), the number being 2 (1813); and 3 (1814). Further addresses were 13 Newington (1816 ); and 7 Shannon Street (1821).

The looking-glass manufacture business was important throughout but in January 1801 he was also acting as an auctioneer of fine art. On 5 January 1801 he held a sale in his Church Street premises of paintings ‘many of the choicest productions of ancient & modern Artists’.

Stoakes was in some type of partnership with George Bullock, 1804-07.

By 1811 he had added the casting of bronze figures to his manufacture in addition to looking-glasses. He continued to produce both until 1823 when declared bankrupt. A sale of his stock in trade and equipment was held on 1 December 1823. On offer were ‘a large & valuable SILVERING TABLE, 7 feet 8 long & 6 feet wide, a Ditto 6 feet 10 by 3 feet 8, with Iron Weights Complete, a large quantity of Molds of Busts, Figures, Urns, Brackets & Pedestals, Composition Molds for Ornamental gilding, unfinished Picture & Looking Glass Frames & small quantity of Fancy Wood. Log & Veneers, two Marble Slabs, a Mahogany Sideboard, Gilders’ Benches, & other Articles’ [Billinge's Liverpool Advertiser, 5 January 1801; Liverpool Mercury, 28 November 1823].

Source: DEFM