For many years Marion May has researched her Jackson family tree culminating in a book published by her and her cousin. This is entitled ‘The Ornamental Jacksons’ and tells the story of her 4 x great grandfather Thomas, who at the beginning of the 18th century, carved wooden frames for paintings and mirrors from his premises in the Tottenham Court Road.
He was followed by his son, George, who invented his own composition (plaster) using his hand carved wooden moulds from his factory in Rathbone Place, off Oxford Street.
Many royal buildings have been decorated by Jacksons from the Royal Pavilion in Brighton to the amazing Durbar room in Osbourne House. Ocean liners, hotels, theatres and many private houses came under their remit.
Local commissions include Guildford House Gallery, Mount Browne, Hatchlands, Polesden Lacey, St Joseph’s school, Cranleigh and Christ’s Hospital.
Although the firm was sold when the last Jackson retired in the 1940s, it is now situated at Sutton in Surrey.
If anyone is interested in purchasing a copy of the book, priced £10 and fully illustrated, it is available from Marion on 01483 898206.
