D is for DECORATOR

At various times throughout his life, William Richardson’s occupation is listed as Decorator or painter. A family story, passed down several generations, noted he worked on decorating the interior of churches, but nothing is particularly clear.

William was born around 1832 in Newcastle on Tyne, Northumberland. In 1862 he was living in Poynton and on 30 January 1862, aged 30, he married Mary Potts in the Parish Church at Poynton, Chester following banns. Mary was ten years younger. On the marriage certificate William is listed as a decorator.

UK Marriage certificate William Richardson & Mary Potts 1862

The couple moved to London after their marriage and they had a large family, including my great grandmother Annie, born in 1882 and her sister Amy born in 1878. In the 1871 Census he a was listed as a painter, in 1881, he was recorded as a decorator.

In 1888 Mary succumbed to Uterine cancer. William remarried the following year to Caroline Elstone formerly Lelliott. They married in St. John’s Church in Fulham in 1889. William was recorded as a 55-year-old widower, and a church decorator. 

William Richardson born ca 1832 & died between 1904-1908

In 1891, William was away from home, visiting in South Bersted, Bognor West Sussex. He was still recorded as a “decorator” and may have been quoting for a job, or visiting family or friends. William Richardson died some time between 1904 and 1908.

Painters and decorators were experts in their field. They were usually involved in painting and making use of decorative materials to beautify. It would be interesting to know what William's job entailed and if there are any examples surviving. 

This is my contribution to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge (#AtoZChallenge)