Hello all,

I'd appreciate advise or help with this that anyone might be able to give me.... I have a George Frederick West born about 1849 (my greatx2 grandfather) whom is my 'brickwall'. I can only find him with any certainty from the 1881 Census onwards.

He first gave his occupation as a "House Painter" in 1881 but after that, in each census up to 1911, he states he is a French Polisher. I have been told it was a highly skilled job and he'd have to have had training.

I was wondering if it's possible that there would be a list of some sort which would mention French Polishers or their apprentices?

He seems to have lived in the St Pancras area mostly but was (possibly) born in Ireland. I have found someone that might be him in Shoreditch in the 1871 Census and there his occupation is given as a Telegraph messenger, so I'm not too sure.

Many thanks,
Sheri