George Walker (1816-1881)
George Walker (1816-1881) of Walker and Hall
It was not likely Sheffield would be long behind Birmingham in using the new process, and be it said to the honour of the family, the late enterprising took out a licence for using the process in his own establishment. He, therefore, was the first electro-plate manufacturer in this town. That gentleman sent Mr. George Walker to Birmingham to be instructed by the patentees in the art, the expenses attending such instruction being defrayed by his partner, Mr. Harrison. Having completed his knowledge of the process, Mr. Walker returned to Sheffield, and an agreement was drawn up stipulating that he should have 25s. per week for the first year's service, 30s. for the second, and 35s. tor the third and last year. Mr. George Walker was, therefore, the first operative electro-plater in this town, and Mr. John Harrison was the first manufacturer of electro-plate goods, and the introducer of the process for his own private business.
Mr. George Walker worked for Mr. John Harrison, of Scotland street
After about 18 months employment, Harrison instructed him to teach his son the plating business, which Walker declined to do and left the office.
Walker's brother-in-law, Samuel Coulson, agreed to support him in setting up an electro-plating business. Walker went to Birmingham to obtain a licence to plate for the whole of Sheffield, except for Mr. Harrison, which he achieved just before Harrison was able to contact Elkington.
Messrs. Walker and Co. began to gain success and celebrity in the electro-plating business in Sheffield.
c.1840 George Walker, a Sheffield cutler, and Dr. Wright, a surgeon, worked out the process of electroplating and formed a business together - see Walker and Co.
1865 January 1st: Walker retired from the partnership of Walker and Hall