Yeovil's Virtual Museum

Gatward & WRIGHT

Manufacturing Chemists

 

Oswald Gatward

Oswald Gatward was born in October 1860 at Hitchin, Hertfordshire. He was the son, and fifth of the eight children of ironmonger John Gatward (1822-1893) and Louisa Maria née Jeeves (1826-1905). His siblings were Ernest John (1853--1853), John Herbert, known as Herbert (1854-1919), Edith Louisa (1856-1934), Leonard Willson (1856-1897), Albert Edward (1863-1929), Alice Maud (1865-1955) and George Bernard, known as Bernard (1869-1927).

In the 1871 census the family were recorded living in High Street, Hitchin. By the time of the 1881 census, 20-year-old Oswald was a boarder at the boarding house of Sarah Allinson in Gateshead, Durham. Oswald gave his occupation as a Chemist's Apprentice.

By the mid-1880s Oswald had moved to Yeovil and went into partnership with pharmaceutical chemist Alfred Wright (see below). They set up their business in the Medical Hall in the Borough, recently vacated by chemist Thomas Maggs following the death of his wife in 1884. Unmarried Oswald lived in the accommodation above the shop, as did Alfred Wright and his wife Jane. In the 1891 census, 37-year-old Alfred gave his occupation as a pharmaceutical chemist, while 30-year-old Oswald gave his as  "Chymist / Druggist". Also living above the shop were a housekeeper and a housemaid as well as two "Chymist / Druggist shop men" - including 28-year-old Arthur Newton. By 1901, Alfred, his wife Jane, and Oswald were still living in the Medical Hall with a chemist's assistant, a cook and a housemaid. Arthur Newton had set up his own chemists shop in Hendford.

Following the dissolution of their partnership in 1906 (see below), Oswald retired and moved back home to Hitchin, where the 1911 census recorded him as a retired chemist and druggist. He died in Hitchin on 2 April 1923 and was buried in Hitchin Cemetery, alongside his grandfather, John Gatward Snr. His will was proved on 9 July and his estate was valued at £3,198 14s 7d (around £750,000 at today's value).

 

Alfred Wright

Alfred Wright was born on 18 January 1854 at Whitechapel, Middlesex, and baptised there on 10 February 1854. He was the eldest of the four sons of Alfred Wright (1806-1881) and Sarah Ann née Kettle (b1831). His siblings were William (1855-1941),Frederick (b1859) and Henry (b1961).

On 24 March 1880, at St Philip the Evangelist, Islington, 26-year-old Alfred married 29-year-old Jane Amelia Essex (b1850). At the time of his marriage, Alfred was a chemist and druggist. They were not to have children. As seen above, by the mid-1880s Alfred and Jane were living in the accommodation above the Medical Hall, with Oswald Gatward.

The partnership with Oswald Gatward lasted until 1906, when it was dissolved by mutual agreement (see Gallery). Following the breakup of the partnership, Alfred and Jane moved back to Islington.

I could find no further information regarding Alfred and Jane. The chemist business in the Medical Hall was taken over by Tayler & Brett.

 

An advertisement from Whitby's Yeovil Almanack Advertiser of 1887. Note the very early date that the company was dealing in photographic equipment and materials.

 

.... and Gatward & Wright didn't just deal in photographic materials! This advertisement is from Whitby's Yeovil Almanack Advertiser of 1900.

 

In the 19 August 1892 edition of the Western Gazette, Gatward and Wright made application for a license to sell wine to be consumed off premises.

 

This photograph was taken by Yeovil Photographer Jarratt Beckett and published in his 1897 book  "Somerset viewed through a Camera". At left is London House, at this time being run by George Wadman. At right is the side of the Medical Hall which, at this time was occupied by wholesale and retail chemists Gatward & Wright.

 

From my collection. This photograph features in my book "Lost Yeovil"

The Medical Hall, photographed around 1900. Gatward & Wright's name is just visible above the awning.

 

The notice of the end of the Gatward & Wright partnership in the 20 April 1906 edition of the London Gazette. That Oswald Gatward's name came first in the partnership and he became responsible for the company's debts, indicates that he was likely the senior partner.