J. & J. Gardiner

MESSRS. J. & J. GARDINER, Manufacturers of Dining Room, Drawing Room, and Parlour Furniture, Reform Street, Beith, Ayrshire.

    This widely connected and reputable firm was the third established in the cabinet-making line in Beith. It dates back about twelve years, the sole proprietor now being Mr. James Gardiner, his partner being deceased some three years.

    The premises of the firm cover half-an-acre of ground, having been greatly enlarged and added to from time to time. The main factory is a large, handsome, and substantial building of four floors, and has been recently erected. The older premises, the engine and boiler house, and the timber drying stores over the latter stand to the side, and around is the large timber yard, heavily stocked with choice hard woods. The newer or main block has been skilfully designed, and is lighted with rows of windows front and rear. Its dimensions are 66 by 20 feet. The ground floor is appropriated to offices and the various labour-saving appliances, which have played such a part in the development of the industry. We cannot adequately describe the efficiency and ingenuity of several of these appliances ; suffice it to say that they perform the various operations of cutting, turning, tenoning, mortising, planing, and moulding in a manner that no hand-work, however skilled, could hope to equal. They also give scope for improved construction that has been of the greatest service in maintaining the reputation of Scotch-made furniture, so long and deservedly enjoyed. Ascending to the second floor, the visitor finds himself in the carving shop, where a special staff of carvers are busily engaged in their delicate craft. Immediately above this is the polishing and upholstery department, while the top floor is used as a storeroom. Turning, sandpapering, etc., are carried on in the older premises.

    A noticeable feature of the place is the number of women, or, rather, girls, employed in several of the operations, and it was evident that their taste and lightness of touch qualified them in an especial manner for their employment. Steam power is used throughout, and the heat of the boiler house is ingeniously used for drying the wood by means of open floors above. It is important to note that this operation is thoroughly carried out, and the material goes to the cabinet-makers in the driest, as well as in the best seasoned, condition.

    The production of the Messrs. Gardiner is of the highest class both for design and workmanship, and covers the whole range of dining room, drawing room, and parlour furniture. Both modern and previous periods are well represented in the stock shown on the top flat of the main building ; and the skill displayed in original work or in reproducing the types of the famous periods of art, as perfected in different European centres, is of the first order. Chairs and sofas are noted specialities of the firm, but their goods in suites are no less worthy of commendation. Messrs. J. & J. Gardiner manufacture principally for the Glasgow market, and the splendid connexion they control there is the best evidence that could be desired of their high standing in the industry.

    The working staff numbers 46 hands and is personally directed by Mr. Gardiner. He is a practical man and has had a life-long experience of the business. His accurate knowledge of its modern requirements and his skill in meeting them have been the great secrets of his success, and account for the progress of this factory from its humble beginning to its present honourable and distinguished position.

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