Title
Papers of J.H. Steward Ltd, opticians and scientific instrument makers
Reference
STEWD
Production date
1873 - 1965
Creator
- J H Steward LimitedBiographyBiography
Opticians and scientific instrument makers
James Henry Steward (1817–1896) established J.H. Steward in London in 1852. As “Head Optician”. J.H Steward became incorporated as J.H. Steward Limited on 1st February, 1913. The company produced a large range of items for military use and advertised in their catalogues that they produced instruments for ‘Reconnoitring, Sketching, Night Marching, Signally, Gun Laying’. They were well thought of with their work to such a standard that they were opticians to ‘The British & Foreign Governments, the National Rifle Associations of England, India, Canada & the Colonies and the National Artillery Association.
They traded from the following locations:
1856 - 1971 406, The Strand – London W.C. 2
1866 - +/-1893 54, Cornhill – London E.C. 3
1867 - +/-1930 63, St. Paul’s Churchyard – London E.C. 4
1869 - +/-1930 66, The Strand – London W.C. 2
1886 - 1928 457, West Strand – London W.C. 2
1893 - +/-1905 7, Gracechurch Street – London E.C 3
1971 – 1973 Catherine Street – London W.C. 2
(just around the corner from 406, The Strand)
1973 - 1975 154, Church Road, Hove, Sussex
The family business was passed on solely through the male line. In 1971, after selling the head office they moved all the
remaining stock and long serving staff member, George Goble (c. 1916-1975), around the corner to rented premises in Catherine Street. George, a dispensing optician, was now the only member of staff – running the shop but mainly retained to provide a service to long-standing customers and to reduce the stock levels. Then the remaining instrument part of the business finally moved out of London to Hove, Sussex in 1973. In 1975, despite the efforts of the founder’s great-grandson and his wife, the business closed its doors for the last time.
Scope and Content
This archive was acquired in two parts. Sections 1-9 comprise ms. material re various instruments, 1893-1939; catalogues and trade literature of J H Steward Ltd and other like companies; instructions for, and descriptions of, Steward's instruments; correspondence; patents; drawings and photographs. Sections 10-12 comprise manuscript notebooks, instructions for instruments and catalogues.
Extent
7 boxes
Language
English
Level of description
TOP
Repository name
Science Museum, London
Conditions governing access
Open Access
Conditions governing Reproduction
Copies may be supplied in accordance with current copyright legislation and Science Museum Group terms and conditions
External document