John Bower (of Clerkenwell)
of Clerkenwell, London
Lathe and Tool Makers
1827 'SOCIETY OF ARTS. The seventy-fifth annual distribution of the prizes granted by the Society took place on Monday.... To Mr.J. Bower, Clerkenwell-green, for his improved lathe chuck, the large Silver Medal.'[1]
1840 Ornamental turning lathe advertised for sale by auction at Bonhams[2]
'John Thomas Bower was born in Kirriemuir, near of Forfar in Scotland around 1795-6. He moved eventually to London where he conducted his business as engine-lathe and toolmaker, at 13 King Street, Clerkenwell. He was one of the most skillful makers of ornamental turning lathes and rose engines both for amateurs and for the jewellery and other engine-turning trades, and his rose engines and combined rose engine/ornamental-turning lathes are among the finest ever made. Each of his O.T. & R.E. lathes is different but the characteristics of his work are easily recognisable. John Bower died on 25th August 1849.(information from www.ornamentalturning.com).'