Details

IPSMG:R.1992.75.2

Ipswich Collections

Chimney Sweep Sign

Chimney sweep's trade sign, painted in oils on slate. Depicts the Cornhill, Ipswich with the Market Cross and old Town Hall/Moot Hall, and the words 'NEWSON CHIMNEY SWEEP'. George Frost's image of the Ipswich Cornhill has been a popular one to reproduce and here it can be seen on this trade sign.Multiple layers of paint have been applied to the sign over time - the sign has been restored to show layer 5. Made to hang on a wall, i.e. 2 suspension holes present at the top, back undecorated. The upper part shows a picture of Cornhill as it was until 1812, at which date the market cross was pulled down. The lower part had 7 layers of inscriptions reading: Starting from the top, (most recent layer): 1/: " A. OSBORNE/ CHIMNEY SWEEP/ ALL ORDERS PUNCTUALY (sic)/ 59 ATTENDED TO 59". [Abraham Osborne Chimney Sweep at 59 Norwich road Ipswich, from 1894 to 1910, at this date Mrs. A. Osborne starts being listed as a Chimney Sweep , same address, until 1931. 2/: as layer 1/ which is a poor quality repaint of layer 2/. 3/: "J. OSBORNE/ & SON/ CHIMNEY SWEEPER/ & FIRE/ EXTINGUISHERS". (1891-1894). 4/: "J. OSBORNE/ CHIMNEY SWEEPER" (1874-1891). 5/: "NEWSON/ CHIMNEY/ SWEEP" (Listed in trade directories 1868 and 1869 as: Robert Newson, Chimney Sweeper and China and Earthenware dealer, 82, Norwich road. 82 Norwich road is exactly opposite No 59.) (in 1869 he is listed only as a chimney sweep). 6/: "H NEWSON/ CHIMNEY SWEEP/ N 82". 7/: "B NEWSON/ CHIMNEY SWEEP/ N 82".

George Frost (artist)‎

Ipswich, Suffolk, United Kingdom

1890 - 1910