Billhead, invoice

Copper-engraved billhead with handwritten invoice issued by the wholesale linen draper, D.H. Pugh located at 69 Gracechurch Street. Dated 14th January 1784 the invoice refers to the supply of linen goods to the county draper John Thomas and company, located in Hinckley, Leicestershire. This firm went out of business in 1787. Similarly to other county drapers J. Thomas and Co ordered cloth from London wholesalers, such as D.H. Pugh, who liaised directly with the cotton manufacturers. Many London wholesalers also had large showrooms where they would display their goods to attract retail trade.