[Jelly Terror]

Superb thread, and a real shame it hasn't maintained its original momentum.

Hoping the following will be of use/interest (source: https://sculpture.gla.ac.uk/view/org...ib1_1240323821):



J.R. Gaunt and Son Ltd.

Other names: J.R. Gaunt and Son (1884-99)

Active: 1884 -

Function: Medallists, bronzists, silversmiths, enamellists, die-stamping, manufacturers of badges, buttons, swords, and souvenirs

Policy: Listed as a manufacturer of 'Badges in enamel and metal for the Army, Navy, Volunteers, Societies and all purposes'. See Forrer vol. 7, (1923), p. 344.

History or description: Business founded in (or around) 1884 as J.R. Gaunt and Son when John Richard Gaunt and his eldest son, Charles Frederick (born 1864 in London), left their employment with the long-established London military button-makers, Firmin & Sons, to set up on their own. They established a successful firm of medallists and bronzists, silversmiths, manufacturers of badges, buttons, swords and all manner of military accoutrements, souvenirs and advertising novelties, specialising in die-stamping and vitreous enamelling. One of their chief designers from the 1920s onwards was the sculptor, Edward Carter Preston*

In 1899 Gaunt's became a limited company and traded under that name until 1993. The offices and production were located in Birmingham but from about 1905 the firm had showrooms in London. Gaunt's workshops were initially located at the intersection of Clifford street and Furnace Lane in the Birmingham district of Lozells. From 1895 (the year after becoming a Ltd. company) the firm occupied Warstone Works and stayed there until 1973. In 1981 Gaunt's relocated to Lower Tower Street Birmingham and in 1989 moved to part of the Birmingham Mint Site in Ickfield Street, where they remained until 1991. The firm's last premises were in Brearley Street. Trading ceased in 1993 but in 2010 J.R. Gaunt & Son was re-established in London and Birmingham.

This entry includes information provided by Stephen Gaunt.

Locations
Business located at Warstone Parade Works Birmingham | View on map
1895 - 1973
Listed as 'east' from 1941.
Located at 5 Denmark Street Soho London | View on map
1900 - 1951
This was the address of Edward Thurkle, Swordmakers, which Gaunt took over in 1897. According to company records the premises were given up in 1904, however there are references to this address in the London trade directories between 1900-51
Showroom located at 53 Conduit Street London | View on map
1905 - 1918
Showroom located at 60 Conduit Street London | View on map
1918 - 1925
Showroom located at 2 New Burlington Place Regent Street London | View on map
1925 - 1941
Gaunt moved to 2 New Burlington Place in 1925 after the takeover of Jennens Ltd. They remained there until forced to move in 1941 due to the building being war damaged.
Showroom located at 5 Warwick Street Regent Street London | View on map
1941 - 1973
Listed address in 1941 includes the sentence 'to H.M. the late King George V'. Gaunt occupied this address until 1973. They then relocated to 1–8 Batemans Buildings, Soho Square, London until 1991.

Associated People
Designers included Edward Carter Preston
Trade name of James Richard Gaunt
1884 (Circa) - 1908
James Gaunt founded the firm and was involved with it until his death

Descriptions of Business or Institution
Listed under Medallists Post Office London Directory, 1900 Post Office/Kelly London Directories
1900
p.2206
Listed under Medallists Kelly's Directory of Birmingham, Trades, Official and Adverts 1901 Kelly's Trades Directories
1901
Listed under Medallists Kelly's Directory of Birmingham, 1911 Kelly's Trades Directories
1911
Listed under Medallists Kelly's Birmingham Directory, Trades Section, 1921 Kelly's Trades Directories
1921
Listed under Medallists The London Directory, 1930 Post Office/Kelly London Directories
1930
p.1013 Listed as 'Medallist'
Listed under Medallists Kelly's Directory of Birmingham with its suburbs and Smethwick, 1931 Kelly's Trades Directories
1931
Listed under Medallists Kelly's Birmingham Trades and Professional Directory, 1941 Kelly's Trades Directories
1941
Listed under Medallists Kelly's Directory of Birmingham (with its suburbs) and Smethwick (with street plan), 1951 Kelly's Trades Directories
1951

Sources
Biographical Dictionary of Medallists, Coin, Gem, and Seal-Engravers, Mint Masters, &c., Ancient and Modern with References to their Works, B.C. 500 - A.D. 1900, Volume VII, 1923 Biographical Dictionary of Medallists
1923
p. 344.
Census Returns of England and Wales, 1911
2009
RG14PN17915 RG78PN1093 RD383 SD3 ED5 SN186
Kelly's Birmingham Trades and Professional Directory, 1941 Kelly's Trades Directories
1941
p. 1734.
Kelly's Birmingham Directory, Trades Section, 1921 Kelly's Trades Directories
1921
p. 1092.
Kelly's Directory of Birmingham (with its suburbs) and Smethwick (with street plan), 1951 Kelly's Trades Directories
1951
p. 1929.
Kelly's Directory of Birmingham with its suburbs and Smethwick, 1931 Kelly's Trades Directories
1931
p. 1396.
Kelly's Directory of Birmingham, 1911 Kelly's Trades Directories
1911
p. 1008.
Kelly's Directory of Birmingham, Trades, Official and Adverts 1901 Kelly's Trades Directories
1901
p. 857.
Post Office London Directory, 1900 Post Office/Kelly London Directories
1900
p.2206
The London Directory, 1930 Post Office/Kelly London Directories
1930
p.1013

* He of bronze memorial plaque ('death penny') fame.


Regards,

JT