Ernest DOWNING's age is a bit uncertain. On his marriage certificate (Ernest Downing & Alice Goulden 22nd Dec. 1889) Ernest is quoted as "21 years". In 1891 census he still described himself as aged 21 years!
However the 1871 Census has him as age 2, so 1869 is a plausible year for his birth.
Recollection from Colin McCarthy: "My Nan told me that as a child she was taken to her father's work place and she remembered that they were making small glass bells that were to be used as bunting in Queen Victoria's parade (which I presume to have been to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee (1897). My Nan also told me that when he became a painter / decorator one of his jobs was painting Tower Bridge."
Occupation Details
Ernest's occupation was Journeyman.
His occupation was House decorator.
His occupation was Glass blower.
Occupation Notes
Ernest George DOWNING's wife (Alice Eliza GOULDEN) was left a glass blowing factory but Earnest George DOWNING lost the factory. His wife subsequently left him.
A Journeyman is a craftsman or artisan. Title of Journeyman taken from birth certificate for Grace DOWNING.
On his marriage certificate Ernest was described as a "Glass Blower" (as he was in 1891 and 1901 census). Incidentally in 1901 census (7 Sidney Road, Homerton, Hackney) his neighbour appears to have been his employer "John Bassham Glass Blower / Plate Glass".but at least by time of 1911 Census he was a House Decorator.
John Bassham owned the glassworks and lived at 5 Sidney Road, and Ernest (with Alice, Florence, Lilian, Ernest and Beatrice) lived at number 7. Both numbers are shown in the photo with the glassworks alongside. I think Bassham died in 1902 so sadly before Stanley or Grace were born. Sadly the building is no longer there.