W. Bryson and the firm of Holland and Sons

This article investigates the stamp of "W. Bryson", found on a number of 19C chairs including some at the Palace of Westminster, and the relationship of W. Bryson to the firm of Holland and Sons, with whom the commissions are associated. It is an exercise in seeking to establish whether it is possible to attribute chairs to a particular firm based on the individual makers' stamps which appear on them. In this case it probably is. It draws on genealogical research, understanding of how London cabinet-making firms functioned - particularly the degree to which work was subcontracted - and stability of employment in the industry. (Quotes from original text)