George Courtauld (industrialist, born 1761) facts for kids
George Courtauld (born in 1761, died in 1823) was an important person in the history of British textiles. He started a company called Courtaulds. This company later grew to become the biggest maker of a special fabric called mourning crape in the United Kingdom.
George Courtauld's Business Journey
George Courtauld began his career in the textile industry when he was just 14 years old. In 1775, he became an apprentice to a silk weaver in Spitalfields, England. An apprentice learns a skill from an experienced worker. After his training, George started working for himself as a silk throwster. This means he prepared silk threads for weaving.
Between 1785 and 1794, George traveled to America several times. In 1794, he started his own textile company in Pebmarsh, England. He named it George Courtauld & Co.
However, by 1816, his business was having money problems. That year, George's son, Samuel, took over the company. Samuel was very good at business. He worked hard and made the company much bigger. Under Samuel's leadership, Courtaulds became the largest maker of mourning crape in the United Kingdom. Mourning crape was a special kind of fabric used for clothes worn during times of sadness.
George Courtauld later retired and moved to America. He passed away there in 1823.
George Courtauld's Family Life
George Courtauld was born on September 19, 1761. His parents were Samuel Courtauld and Louisa Ogier.
On July 10, 1789, George Courtauld married Ruth Minton. They had three children:
- Samuel Courtauld (1793–1881)
- Catherine Courtauld (1795-)
- George Courtauld (1802–1861)
