Career
John G. Wilson built up the business until his death in the 1890s. As a side line he acted as agent to the Alliance Insurance Company. An extract from a Manchester trade journal of the time is shown below:
Mr.
John G. Wilson, Practical Mechanical Engineer, Draughtsman, and Patent Agent, 55 Market Street – To the inventor and man of genius labouring to bring out some important creation of his own ingenuity, there is no more important institution than the Patent Office and Registry of Designs, where he can protect and make secure the results of his labours.
At the offices of Mr. John G. Wilson is established the British and Foreign Patent Office, Trade Marks and Designs Registry.
Mr. Wilson, having had twenty-five years" experience in this business, is able to decide or advise upon the practical utility or otherwise of any invention, thus saving intending patentees an immense amount of time and money.
As a practical mechanical engineer, Mr. John G. Wilson enjoys a high reputation in this city, and has a large practice.
The business of his firm in connection with British and foreign patents extends to all parts of the world. He has had a long and honourable connection with this city, and possesses the esteem and confidence of a very extensive and valuable connection.
John Guy Wilson opened his first office in 1864 at Number.
109 Market Street, Manchester, and after a few months moved to Number. 24 Market Place, Manchester, where he practised as Patent Agent, Practical and Mechanical Engineer, and Draughtsman, under the title of John G. Wilson & Company After a brief sojourn in 1868 at Number.
I Imperial Chambers, Market Place, Wilson moved to Mitre Buildings, Church Gates, Cateaton Street, in 1869.
This locality, which is now known as Cathedral Gates, is opposite the side entrance to Manchester Cathedral. Mr. Wilson moved in 1871 to Number.
7Ia Market Street where he remained until 1887, when he again removed, this time a little lower down Market Street to Number. 55 at the corner of Back Cannon Street and Market Street.
