Lilly B & Sons, Brassfounders

[EdwinLilly]

I am looking for information on a company who were brassfounders, specifically cabinet hardware brassfounders.  B Lilly & Sons were founded by my Gt Gt Grandfather Benjamin Lilly in 1861. The address was initially that of the house where they lived - 73 Brearley Street.  Benjamin died in 1881 and the firm moved to 54 & 56 Barr Street. They were there for quite some years but eventually moved to Baltimore Road, Great Barr - date of move unknown at present. There were a lot of the wider family in Aston from the 1850's onwards but our side of the family lost track years ago.

I would appreciate any information, photos, etc.

Edwin Lilly

 

[gingerjon]

Re: B Lilly & Sons, Brassfounders

1851 census Birmingham

is there any connection with M M Lillley's of Summer Lane export Packers and casemakers?

 

[EdwinLilly]

Re: B Lilly & Sons, Brassfounders

1851 census Birmingham

is there any connection with M M Lillley's of Summer Lane export Packers and casemakers?

I am aware of the 1851 Census listing of Benjamnin Lilly and also the 1881 Census listing. Thanks for the reply. I do not know of any connection with M M Lilley of Summers Lane, export packers and casemakers. Most of my branch of the family seem to have been brassfounders, including several of Benjamin's brothers and nephews.

 

[Jerry]

Re: B Lilly & Sons, Brassfounders

There's a long established firm in Alcester Street, Highgate called S. Lilley's and they have always made various brass products so there could be a connection.

 

[Pomgolian]

Re: B Lilly & Sons, Brassfounders

:angel: Hi Edwin I found this family 1891 census, hope it is of help:

Warwickshire Ancestors Project — 1891
Transcript of Piece RG12/2433

Enumeration District 32
Civil Parish of Aston, Eccl. Parish of St Peter & St Paul

Folio 12 Page 27

153 ,"4 Hse, 4 Ct. Witton Rd",
1,John Lilly,Head,M,46,,Brass Founder,Employed,Birmingham Warwickshire,,
,,,Jane Lilly,Wife,M,,50,,,Wolverhampton Staffordshire,,
,,,John J Lilly,Son,S,23,,Brass Founder,Employed,Birmingham Warwickshire,,
,,,Mary M Lilly,Dau,S,,15,Scholar,,Birmingham Warwickshire,,

 

[Pomgolian]

Re: B Lilly & Sons, Brassfounders

:angel: I also found these, again hope it is of help:

William West 1830 Directory of Warwickshire - Birmingham Section

Surname Forename Occupation NumberStreet                       Page No.

Lilly John snuffer and spoon maker                         Fazeley-st. 359
Lilly John spoon maker                                          Fordrough-st.359
Lilley Mary gilt toy and pencil case maker and jeweller Woodcock-st.359
Lilly M. steel toy manufacturer                               20 St. Mary's-row359
Lilly John and William manufacturers of plated wares, & military ornaments of every description
23 St. Paul's-square 359

 

[radleyk]

Re: B Lilly & Sons, Brassfounders

Hello Edwin,
My name is Kevin Radley and I have an interest in late-Victorian/Edwardian furniture in the Arts & Crafts style. I picked up your question while searching for info re: a dresser I own. I'm not sure if this is the sort of info you were looking for but I'll pass it on anyway.
The dresser is extremely well made of high quality oak with inlays. It has been attributed to Heal & Sons or Hampton & Sons. Both these companies have an excellent reputation for quality furmiture from that period (ca 1890 to 1910).
What I do know is that the brassware was produced by your ancestors firm (the flat pieces have the "B.L & S" stamp). The brasswork is for lock covers (the locks themselves are made by a different firm, from Birmingham) and, I believe, the handles. The work is high quality and this suggests that Benjamin's firm was supplying to the top cabinet makers of this time.
I hope this helps, I can send you photos if required.

best regards

Kevin

 

[EdwinLilly]

Re: B Lilly & Sons, Brassfounders

Hi Kevin,
Thanks for your message. What you tell me is very interesting and I would love to see some photos of the pieces you mention. I can give you an email address if you can take some photos.
Edwin Lilly

 

[radleyk]

Re: B Lilly & Sons, Brassfounders

Hi Edwin,
I'm happy to send you some photos.
regards

Kevin