G. & F. Cope Ltd (previously W. & G. Cope) was a clockmaking company based in Nottingham, England from 1855 to 1984.
G. & F. Cope Ltd (previously W. & G. Cope) was a clockmaking company based in Nottingham, England from 1855 to 1984.
William Cope (1835-1893) and George Cope (1829-1891), both brothers, founded the company in 1855. [1] The business was based in Canning Street, Birch Row, Radford, Nottingham.
In 1860 the business moved from Spaniel Row to Hounds Gate where the company erected a steam engine and planing machinery. [2]
The partnership between William and George Cope was dissolved in 20 August 1875 and the business carried on by George. [3] George appears to have started a partnership with another brother, Francis Frederick Cope (1845-1901), shortly afterwards as G & F Cope was advertising by 1876. [4]
William Cope then continued in business separately until his death in 1893.
In early 1879, the company took over the business of Reuben Bosworth of Nottingham. [5]
The brothers were later joined by a nephew, William Cope (1867 - 1922), from Dewsbury, Yorkshire, the son of Alfred Cope (1840-1903), brother to George and Francis. He had been educated at High Pavement school and in 1881 was indentured to his uncles at the wage of 3 shillings per week (equivalent to £19in 2023). [6] This increased to 10 shillings (equivalent to £70in 2023) [6] in his 7th and final year. [7]
Nephew William became owner of the business in 1899. He introduced electric motors to replace steam power in the business and was one of the first businessmen in Nottingham to install a telephone in his office.
In July 1922 William Cope died suddenly, leaving his 20-year-old son, William Waller Cope (1902-1985), who had barely finished his clock-maker’s training, in complete and sole charge of the business. His two sons Richard Cope and William David Cope followed him into the business.
The company was responsible for most of the public clocks in Nottingham, and also many further afield. As innovative manufacturers, the firm produced chronometers for the Admiralty as well as fine tower clocks and chimes.
Initially their factory was in Holden Street and they had offices on Gregory Street [8] then Alfreton Road [9] but in 1937 they moved to Portland Road. In 1945 they moved again to Prospect Place in Lenton, where the company remained until it was absorbed by Smith of Derby Group. [10]
