A William IV mahogany box stool by Doveston, Bird & Hull, the later red leather and brass studded seat above a hinged door with outline mouldings, stamped 'DOVESTON, BIRD & HULL MANUFACTURERS', on brass castors, 47cm high, 64.8cm wide, 52.5cm deep. George Doveston is recorded as a cabinet maker and undertaker c.1832-40 in King Street Manchester in the Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, 1660-1840, edited by Geoffrey Beard and Christopher Gilbert. The business operated under the name of Doveston, Bird & Hull, c.1860-1881. Their leading designer was Bruce Talbert followed by Alfred Waterhouse when they were involved in the furnishing of Manchester Town Hall.