Wilson, James

Lancaster, Lancs.; cabinet maker (fl.1768-94)

James Wilson, of Mains, Lancashire, was apprenticed to Richard Gillow of Lancaster from 19 June 1768. Joseph Brockholes, an important customer of Gillows, was his benefactor. The Brockholes owned Mains Hall and Claughton Hall, near Preston. Joseph paid for James Wilson’s clothes (including white shirts and muslin cravats), washing, mending, hairdresser’s bills and, in 1773, a new book called 'Spiritual Combat'. He was employed by the firm of Gillows in June 1773 when he was paid for work completed. He was listed in their Petty Ledgers for 1766-77. On 21 February and 7 March 1789 he was named in the their Petty Cash Book. The name James Wilson has been recorded, inscribed in pencil on the carcass timber under a sideboard table dated 1794. It has Gillow-style term legs and fan inlays under the central drawer and retains its original brass rail. He may have been the James Wilson who subscribed to Sheraton's Cabinet Dictionary in 1803.

Source: Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London (2008), II, p. 300.