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Thomas, William (1869-1914)

Thomas, William

Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire, Wales; cabinet maker (fl.1869-c.1914)

Thomas began his career working at the Corner House in Llansawel where he was recorded in 1869. Sometime after 1883 he moved to Llanwrda where he built Dulais House as a showroom, with a workshop and sawmill across the road. This became known as the Dulais Cabinet Works. He built a weir and leat to harness water power from the river to operate his machinery and made full use of the railway to bring materials and machinery from a distance. Meanwhile, local supplies were brought in and deliveries made by road using local hauliers. Both local and imported timber was used, Thomas Brothers of Llandeilo being major suppliers. As his demand outran local supply Thomas turned to timber yards in Cardiff and Swansea, and in 1895 even bought mahogany veneer from London. Details of other suppliers of components and accessories are given in Bebb (2007), II, p. 327, and these allowed him to offer a comprehensive furnishing service. Bebb also illustrates a variety of Thomas’s billheads, invoices and furniture. These include a longcase clock and a dresser, both of oak (illus. Bebb (2007), figs 1265-7).

By the 1890s Thomas employed at least 25 men and sold his furniture over a wide area. In 1889 he had been joined in the business by sons David and John (both listed in the 1891 Census as cabinet makers, aged 24 and 19). By this time he had installed steam power and one billhead of 1889 is titled ‘Steam Cabinet & Chair Works & Saw Mills’. The firm was at that time called David Williams & Sons. The last years of the business are not recorded, but the premises were taken over by David Morris in the early 20th century.

Source: Bebb, Welsh Furniture (2007), I, p. 41; II, pp. 326-9.