Wallpaper and Paint Manufacturing 013

Wallpaper and Paint Manufacturing. rn(reverse of photo, Allan Cockshut)rn1812 founded by John Allan, when he commenced block printing in a room in Hackney Road, Old Ford, London.rn1846 Allan and his sons John Charles and George William, who were now in partnership with him, moved to a new premises, comprising about ten acres on the banks of the river Lea.rn1870 John Allen Died,rn1874 Pressure from a flourishing business necessitated a further move to a new and specifically built factory in Wick Lane.rn1888 The business with its 200 employees was sold to the brothers Cockshut, both of whom had gained considerable experience of the trade at "Potters" in Darwen and at "Lightbowns" in Pendleton. rn1899 The business became part of Wall Paper Manufturers (WPM) - particularly the Indian and Chinese markets.rnNot long after the outbreak of Worlsd War ll the key personnel of the factory were transfered to the Lightbrown Aspinall branch at Bredbury, from where they continued to serve Allan Cockshut branch. The premises at Old Ford were at the time in charge of maintenance and fire-watching staff, nut in 1942 were again brought into use for the production of munitions, while a portion of the building was converted into a Royal Army Ordnance Corps store.rn1947 Allan Cockshut died.rn1947 Frank K. Sugden was appointed Company Director.rn(Information from Grace's Guide to British Industrial History.)