The following information was compiled by Simon Withers from Oldknows Studio Group:

James Oldknow was born in 1821 in Beeston, Nottingham. His grandfather was a mechanic and a machine builder.

James Oldknow migrated to France and to the lace making centres of Calais and Lille. James became a partner in a business at St. Pierre De Calais and Lille with a Mr Maillot. They established lace making plants in Lyons and Nottingham, the Nottingham plant being at the corner of St. Ann's Hill Road and Great Alfred Street.

After several years in France, James Oldknow returned home to England and to Nottingham. He took charge of the factory in Nottingham.

In 1860 James Oldknow was elected Alderman to the town council as the representative of St. Anns Ward, Nottingham. James Oldknow was elected Mayor on three occasions: 1869, 1878 and 1879. In 1873 his daughter, Albertine Elizabeth Oldknow married Frank Wright at All Saints Church, Nottingham. Frank Wright and his Father were tobacco manufacturers in the City of Nottingham.

In 1878 James Oldknow's second election as Mayor was notable. He was called upon to become Mayor by his colleagues when his predecessor, Mr. W.G. Ward, was thrown from his horse near Castle Rock and killed.

This was just before the opening of the Castle Museum art gallery. James Oldknow was at the time chairman of the Castle committee and was largely responsible for the Castle project. Nottingham Castle and Art Gallery was England's first municipal Art Gallery.

In 1878 James Oldknow received the Prince and Princess of Wales, later King Edward and Queen Alexandra. In August of that year James Oldknow travelled to the Isle of Wight. Here he was knighted by Queen Victoria at Osborne House.

James Oldknow lived on Villa Road, Nottingham. He died in 1888 aged 67. He is buried at Rock cemetery, Mansfield Road, a stone-throw away from the Oldknows Factory Building. His plot is marked by a funerary obelisk.

A Foot Note
James's daughter, Albertine and her husband had twins, one of whom was also named Frank. He in turn had a son who was born in August 1924. Frank B. Wright who gave the studio group this information is also an artist.

He is now in his 70's and lives in London. He studied at the Brighton School of Art and Central School of Art, London. Frank is a Fine Art print maker and co-founded Contemporary International Artists (CIA) in 1987 in London.

Simon Withers would like to thank Frank Bathurst Wright for this information. Simon is still looking for the right obelisk !