Williams & Gibton
1829 - 1844
The renowned Irish makers of Williams & Gibton can trace their roots back to the late 18th century with one of its founders, John Mack listed as a cabinet maker in Abbey Street, Dublin in 1784. He was joined by Robert Gibton, who is noted as having a workshop on the other side of the Liffey in Aungier Street in 1790. A trade label on a box in the collection of Dubin's National Museum indicates that Gibton also made trunks, and musical instrument and gun cases. He was also an auctioneer, which was not uncommon for cabinet makers at the time. Mack and Gibton came together around 1800, moved to Stafford Street in 1803 and made their partnership official in 1805. The business flourished and in 1806 they were appointed Upholsterers & Cabinet Makers to his Majesty, His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant, and His Majesty's Board of works.
Robert's son William took his place in the partnership on his death in 1812. At the same time William Gibton's brother in law, Zachariah Williams (a former apprentice in the business), also became a partner. The firm's title changed to Mack, Williams & Gibton. Their Royal Warrant opened many doors and the company supplied a number of important buildings such as the Treasury, Four Courts, Dublin Castle, the Barracks Office, Vice Regal Lodge and the Chapel Royal. They also provided furniture for several grand country houses in Ireland. John Mack died in 1829 and the company continued, trading under the name of Williams
The renowned Irish makers of Williams & Gibton can trace their roots back to the late 18th century with one of its founders, John Mack listed as a cabinet maker in Abbey Street, Dublin in 1784. He was joined by Robert Gibton, who is noted as having a workshop on the other side of the Liffey in Aungier Street in 1790. A trade label on a box in the collection of Dubin's National Museum indicates that Gibton also made trunks, and musical instrument and gun cases. He was also an auctioneer, which was not uncommon for cabinet makers at the time. Mack and Gibton came together around 1800, moved to Stafford Street in 1803 and made their partnership official in 1805. The business flourished and in 1806 they were appointed Upholsterers & Cabinet Makers to his Majesty, His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant, and His Majesty's Board of works.
Robert's son William took his place in the partnership on his death in 1812. At the same time William Gibton's brother in law, Zachariah Williams (a former apprentice in the business), also became a partner. The firm's title changed to Mack, Williams & Gibton. Their Royal Warrant opened many doors and the company supplied a number of important buildings such as the Treasury, Four Courts, Dublin Castle, the Barracks Office, Vice Regal Lodge and the Chapel Royal. They also provided furniture for several grand country houses in Ireland. John Mack died in 1829 and the company continued, trading under the name of Williams
& Gibton until 1844 when they became Williams & Sons following the death of William Gibton two years earlier. Williams & Sons continued for another eight years before the company ended in 1852.
The quality of the company's cabinet making is excellent.
Source the Knight of Glin, 'Dublin Directories and Trade Labels', Furniture History (1985).
1 ITEM
