A photographic and documentary archive which combines to chart the identities, geographies and practice of a family of engravers and printers on Brompton Road in west London from the mid-19th century onwards.
An apprenticeship indenture dated 6th November 1866 legally binds the son of John Brown, William Henry Brown, ‘to learn the Art, Trade or Business of an Engraver and Printer’ and ‘put himself apprentice to Henry Brown of 261 Brompton Rd, Kensington.’ The document lays out the 5-year apprenticeship salary and confirms receipt of twenty-five pounds sterling from John Brown to Henry Brown. The document is in very good condition, signed in ink, blue one pound inland revenue stamp, three prominent red wax seals and date stamped London 2.11.66. By 1873 the pair were in partnership together and by 1885 Henry retired and William Henry took over the business. An accompanying photograph album showing one of Brown’s shops is included within the archive which consists:
1 Handwritten document on slip of paper confirming receipt from Mr John Brown the sum of one hundred and four pounds for board and lodgings for five years from the day of November 1866 to the 6th day of Nov 1871. Attached is an inland revenue one penny stamp signed by Henry Brown.
2 Handwritten note dated 1866 from John Brown to [Barman] and Wells outlining costs of legalities, stamp and parchment totalling £3.3.6. One penny inland revenue stamp marked received and dated 1866.
3 An impressive 1872 London date stamped indenture between the trustees and Henry Brown confirming the lease of 261 Brompton Rd for a period of 14 years commencing 25th March 1871. 7 prominent wax seals including the signatures of Algernon George Percy Duke of Northumberland, The Honourable Francis, Earl of Romney and Baron William John Evelyn. A small hand drawn map of the premises is included. Attached is a six pence revenue stamp. To the reverse an additional agreement dated 1885 extends the lease term for another year to 25th March 1886. In excellent condition.
4 A Memorandum Agreement dated 28th March 1885 between Henry Brown, 261 Brompton Road and William Henry Brown, 11 Park Cottages, Hammersmith outlining the terms and conditions of Henry Brown’s retirement from the business. Includes a ten-shilling stamp dated ’85, signed by all parties. In excellent condition.
5 Newspaper page from The London Gazette dated April 10th 1885 announcing the dissolution of the partnership between Henry Brown and William Henry Brown by mutual consent and the carrying on of the business in the same name by William Henry Brown. In excellent condition.
6 A green cloth covered ‘Sunny Memories’ photograph album containing over 90 b/w photographs. The single image to the front pastedown is most probably that of William Henry Brown’s son standing outside the family Engravers and Printers shop in Kensington. Most probably taken circa 1920, the shop is numbered 20. Have the premises of H & W Brown moved on from number 261 or has Brompton Rd been re numbered? The photographs within the album reveal family life, from the late 1800s onwards. Many images of ships at sea fill the pages – possibly photographs collected by WH Brown’s father who as a foreman and shipwright had spent his days at Woolwich Docks. In good condition – a few photographs missing to rear.
