W.S. Deighton

Letterpress billhead with a handwritten invoice issued by W.S. Deighton, tallow chandler and wax melter, oilman, colourman and drysalter located at 84 & 85 Cow Cross. Tallow candles were the cheapest form of domestic candle. Produced from animal fats they emited more smoke and smell than the more expensive varieties such as beeswax. The invoice, dated 1st January 1838, refers to the supply of goods to the Reverend Hasker who lived in the village of Baughurst, Hampshire. As well as making candles Deighton supplied dyes and colours used for dying textiles and paint.