Gimson’s workshops

Gimson set up a workshop making furniture in 1900, initially in partnership with Ernest Barnsley. They employed Peter van der Waals as foreman based in temporary premises in Cirencester. By 1903 the workshops had moved to Daneway House, near Sapperton but the partnership had dissolved. By the following year eight cabinet makers and four young local apprentices were making furniture to Gimson’s design.

 

In about 1902 Gimson set up a smithy at Sapperton and employed the young blacksmith, Alfred Bucknell. There were soon three or four men – experienced smiths and apprentices – working for Gimson, making hinges, handles, fire tools and decorative pieces such as candle sconces.

 

The chair-making workshop opened in 1903. Unlike the other workshops it was a partnership between Gimson and Edward Gardiner, the son of the sawmill owner at Daneway where the workshop was based. Gimson provided the designs and Gardiner turned and rushed the chairs. The workshop was soon employing additional craftsmen and apprentices.

 

Gimson saw the craft workshop system as a model for reviving the rural economy, providing worthwhile training and creative employment.