MORRIS, WILKINSON & CO.,

Manufacturers of Art Wicker Work, Fancy Baskets, Perambulators, Mail Carts, &c, BASFORD, NOTTINGHAM.

Telegraphic Address—"Sirrom, Nottingham."                                                        Telephone No. 1,550.

Morris, Wilkinson Ltd works

A REMARKABLE diversity of design and ingenuity of construction distinguishes the wide range of manufactures turned out by the above-named firm, a brief description of whose chief specialities should certainly find appropriate mention in a work dedicated to the staple industries of Nottingham and the locality. The business of Messrs. Morris, Wilkinson and Co. was originally established at Lenton in 1889, and was continued there until 1897, when, owing to the rapidly-increasing demand for their various manufactures, the firm built additional premises at Basford, known as the Springfield Works; but with the continuous growth of the business these, too, became inadequate to their requirements, and the handsome new establishment which now forms the headquarters of the business, known as the Victoria Works—appropriately so styled in commemoration of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee —was built. These latter premises consist of a lofty and imposing building of red brick of four storeys elevation, having a frontage of nearly 100 feet, and extending rearward to a depth of about 130 feet. Entering by a wide gateway, admission is gained to a spacious court-yard, wherein are the time-keeper's office, stores, etc., opposite to which are the workshops devoted to the manufacture of perambulators, mail carts, bassinettes, and invalid carriages. These conveyances are produced in numerous elegant and novel designs, and combine all the latest improvements in rubber tyres and patent springs. On this level also are the well-appointed show-rooms for finished 'goods, packing and despatch departments, and storage accommodation for material and parts. The buildings flanking the other side of the court-yard are arranged as work-rooms for upholstering and finishing wicker and bamboo goods, with separate packing room for these departments, and another large showroom for the exhibition of the firm's productions in this line. Here we had an opportunity of inspecting some very beautiful specimens of artistic workmanship wrought in these materials, including an infinite variety of designs for lounge and other chairs, and every description of furniture capable of being manufactured in wicker, bamboo, and similar fabrics. In this department the firm has introduced some charming models of upholstered chairs, draped with tapestry, plush, cretonne, etc., of exquisite shade and design, strongly made and well finished in every respect, which have been most successfully placed on the market. The frame-work of these articles are manufactured at the Springfield Works, and then finished and upholstered at the Victoria Works.

In general basket ware is also produced an extensive range of useful and ornamental articles, together with travelling hampers, dress baskets, and other receptacles of familiar utility in the household, laundry and nursery. A series of catalogues issued by the firm is copiously illustrated with diagrams of the chief features of production in each department, a separate list being allotted to the various specialities indicated in our brief description of their show-room display. Giving steady employment to a large number of workpeople skilled in the different branches, both establishments are admirably organised and equipped for expediting the completion of the extensive orders daily received by the representatives of the house, whose journeys cover all the principal business centres in the United Kingdom, including a widespread and constantly increasing connection among the leading buyers in the London market.

A Wicker Chair Making Room (left) and Upholstering Wicker Chairs (right).
A Wicker Chair Making Room (left) and Upholstering Wicker Chairs (right).