Harry Davoll, cabinet maker (1876-1963)

Title

Subject

The son of a Ross-on-Wye schoolmaster, Harry Davoll joined Gimson as a master craftsman in Cirencester and then Sapperton.

Photographs L - R, T - B :-

1. A fruitwood and walnut table designed by Harry Davoll
2. Oak Drawers by Harry Davoll
3. Coin Cabinet for Violet Cooper by Harry Davoll
4. Table Top cabinet in walnut by Harry Davoll
5. Walnut Tea Caddy by Harry Davoll

Description

Previously Harry he had worked for ten years as a cabinet-maker in Liverpool. He started work at Sapperton at 8d per hour making furniture to Gimson's designs.

Later he joined Peter Waals at his Chalford workshop, It was Waals who wrote this offer of employment:

‘119 Dyer Street Cirencester 10^th November 1901

Dear Sir

Yours of Nov. 10^th to hand. Mr. Pugsley has, I suppose, informed you about the conditions. We pay 8d. per hour and offer a permanency to good men. We make high-class furniture only, therefore, we want first-class cabinetmaker.

But Mr. Pugsley has assured me that you are used to that kind of work. You might start as soon as you can.

You better bring some of your tools with you, as Mr. P. had delay with his. Please let me know when I can expect you.’

(Mr Pugsley was the first cabinet-maker employed although he did not stay long.)

Harry can be seen in photographs taken there.

In 1933 he set up his own workshop in Far Oakridge in a shed 12ft by 7ft. There he made furniture such as corner cupboards, chairs, tables and, in later years, ornamental boxes and mirror stands.

In 1941 Harry was commissioned by the British Council to make a writing table for a Council exhibition tour of Canada and the USA. He became a life member of the Guild of Gloucestershire Craftsmen.

Cheltenham Museum has a suite of his dining room furniture in its display of Arts and Crafts work.

The above is an extract from 'Oakridge a History' by Pat Carrick, Kay Rhodes and Juliet Shipman, available from Oakridge History Group, price £15 through the ‘Contact Us’ page or from the Oakridge Village Shop.