IN THE MANNER OF GEORGE BULLOCK, CIRCA 1820

George Bullock maintained a close connection to nearby Liverpool throughout his short but productive career (b.1778 or 1782-3, d.1818). He gained an initial training and his reputation from the family business, when his mother settled in Birmingham selling life-size waxwork figures form 1794. In 1801 Bullock joined his brother, William, who ran a Museum shop in Liverpool, specialising in ornamental wares. In 1804 George formed a brief partnership with William Stokes in his 'Looking Glass Manufactory' and a year later expanded his line of business, advertising as a 'Cabinet-makers, General Furnishers and Marble Workers'. From 1806 Bullock assumed most of the responsibility of the manufacture of the objects sold, requiring a factory at 78 Bold Street, as well as 'furniture rooms' in Hanover Street and separate 'counting' offices. Bullock worked on a number of commissions, in conjunction with the architect Joseph Michael Gandy, in the North East and West, enriching his reputation further in the region. One such example, Speke Hall, Liverpool, was refurbished in the antiquarian manner for Richard Watt (1811). Bullock then transferred his operation to London after the sale of his furniture stock in 1812, although he continued to hold a small quantity at the Bold St. premises until 1814. Finally, upon his death in 1818 an auction was held in Liverpool of his remaining assets and books.