Tapestry: the story of a Victorian businessman.
Thomas Tapling was of fairly humble origins, born in a small village in North Lincolnshire in 1818 the third of seven children. By the time of his death 63 years late, he was the equivalent of a multi-millionaire.
Thomas lived through the period of huge change in Great Britain known as the Industrial Revolution. The coming of the railways transformed personal transport as well as facilitating the movement of goods. Sea transport too was revolutionised with sail giving way to steam and shortening intercontinental journeys. New industrial processes enabled mass production of goods. International and domestic markets expanded rapidly.
This was a great time for entrepreneurs to build their own empires, and Thomas grasped the opportunity with both hands. The company he founded a century and a half ago is still in existence. His eldest son was to leave the foremost unbroken stamp collection in the world to the nation, and his youngest daughter was to marry into an aristocratic family.
However Thomas was a family man too, and it is from his letters, and those of his family, that an insight can be gained into his character and his personal life.
His biography is illustrated with photographs of family members and places associated with them. It is due to be published in November 2010 and can be purchased directly from the author, Anne Astling, for £5 per copy (plus postage and packing). Exact prices will be published as soon as they are available, but if you are interested in purchasing a copy please contact Anne here.
