L is for Linnen-Draper
By WATKINSON, Benjamin , 1859
£550
BUY

Benjamin Watkinson, Linnen-Draper... Sells all Sorts of Linnen Drapery Wholesale and Retail

Ephemera
  • Author: WATKINSON, Benjamin
  • Publication place: London
  • Publisher: At the Wheat-Sheaf and Star two doors from ye Corner of King-Street Cheapside
  • Publication date: c1759-1780
  • Physical description: Engraved trade card.
  • Dimensions: 155 by 115mm (6 by 4.5 inches).
  • Inventory reference: 17954

Notes

Trade card for Benjamin Watkinson, who was listed as a linen draper active in Cheapside in ‘The Universal Pocket Companion’ of 1760 and 1767. He advertises his address here as at the sign of the wheat-sheaf and star near King Street. The sign appears to have little to do with his profession, but is surely a reference to Joseph’s prophetic dream in Genesis 37. Watkinson simply announces that he “sells all Sorts of Linnen Drapery Wholesale and Retail”, with the text surrounded by an ornate frame. At the top is an illustration of the sign beneath which his shop could be found. Watkinson’s will was executed on November 19, 1782, providing an terminus ante quam for the present trade card, while number of existing billheads show that Watkinson was active from at least 1759

Bibliography

  1. BM Heal 80.341

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