Active during the early twentieth century
died 1932
Other workers: dressmakers; workroom staff; shop assistants; office workers
In 1919, architects Turnbull & Rule designed a substantial Arts and Crafts house at 32 Sefton Street for Mrs Florence Marriott. Florence was married to Herbert Marriott, a prominent Stafford Street draper.
The business should not automatically be described as Florence’s. Contemporary reporting and advertisements identify it as H. Marriott, Draper, Timaru. Herbert had worked for William Penrose before acquiring the drapery business and, in 1920, purchasing the freehold of its historic premises from the trustees of George Gabites.
Florence’s own role in the shop has not yet been established. She may have contributed to the household, finances or business decisions, but no payroll, partnership document or newspaper report located so far proves that she managed or owned the drapery.
The advertisements do reveal other women’s work.
In August 1920, Marriott advertised for a “capable dressmaker” to take charge of the workroom. This was a responsible skilled position involving garment construction, fittings, workflow and likely the supervision of other employees.
Another advertisement identifies Miss Partridge through Marriott’s business address. Further advertisements sought staff for departments serving women customers. These clues show that the drapery depended on dressmakers, workroom staff, sales assistants and office workers, even though most were not named in the surviving business history.
Florence died in a motor accident on 15 August 1932, shortly after leaving the Sefton Street house to attend church. Herbert died in 1939.
The stronger WuHoo story is therefore not that Florence secretly operated Herbert’s business. It is that a well-known Timaru drapery rested upon skilled women’s labour that the records usually reduced to positions such as “dressmaker” or “young lady”.
Read the existing WuHoo stories
Show Us Your Turnbull & Rule: 32 Sefton Street
Sources
WuHoo: The Marriotts
Supports the Sefton Street house, Herbert’s business history, purchase of the premises and Florence’s 1932 death.
New Zealand Times, 12 August 1920: dressmaker required
Confirms that H. Marriott sought a capable dressmaker to take charge of the workroom.
Otago Daily Times, 10 June 1927: Marriott staff advertisement
Confirms the continuing Stafford Street drapery and the range of retail skills required.
Star, 15 August 1932: Florence Marriott’s death
Contemporary confirmation of Florence’s address, marriage and death.