Gillott, Joseph, & Sons

Notes:

Established by Joseph Gillott, 1799-1872, who had started in business in c1820 making steel buckets and similar items. 1823 joined his brothers in law, John and William Mitchell in production of pens. Soon started his own pen making business. 1831 granted a patent for a steel pen nibs and adapted machinery for their mass production. Emerged as a major manufacturer using mass production techniques. 1838-40 built Victoria Works. Business continued until 1991 although nib making ended in late 1880s. Also important art collector and recognised as a 'key figure' in the history of collecting and patronage 'from the mid 1840s'. Incorporated large galleries into his homes. Much of collection sold in 1872