A Visit Across the Pond
Sutton, United Kingdom
Wednesday, July 13th, 2016

On Wednesday July 13th, J.P. Weaver Company’s Historical Research Consultant, Brett B. Tyler, visited George Jackson Limited, just south of London in the Borough of Sutton. We believe Mr. Weaver (or previous generations of his family) may have worked there. Brett was on a mission to track down any employment records, in the hopes of revealing more information about Joseph Pearce Weaver’s early life in England before emigrating to the United States in 1886.

Around since 1780, George Jackson has specialized in fibrous plaster decoration for the construction industry in the United Kingdom. In the past they have had the unique honor of receiving four Royal Warrants, and they have done a wide scope of projects, especially within the London area, ranging from work for Windsor Castle to the Tate Britain to Gatwick Airport.

Brett was welcomed by David Serra, the director of George Jackson Limited, who gave him a personal tour of their shop. Many of the sights and smells of the plaster shop there served as a welcome reminder of home for Brett, who had long been away on his travels. Unfortunately however, George Jackson Limited no longer has records that go back to the times of J.P. Weaver. Thus for the moment the mystery of Mr. Weaver’s early life still lingers.

The visit, however, was still quite worthwhile, as it offered an opportunity for the exchange of ideas with someone else in the field. Both parties were able to gain valuable insights from each other, and appreciated this opportunity to meet. Hopefully we’ll have the opportunity to return the favor and welcome David Serra to tour J.P. Weaver Company sometime in the near future!