E. K. Dutton
Background
Very little is known about this firm, although we do know that the firm predates John G. Wilson’s business founded in 1864. In the 1869 Slater's Directory of Manchester & Salford, E.K. Dutton is listed as a “consulting engineer & patent agent” having offices at No.3 Smith Door off Victoria Street, near Deansgate. At that time he was living in Sale, but he moved to Ashton-on-Mersey by the time of the 1876 directory in which he lists himself as “agent in the procuring of British and Foreign patents and the registration of designs and trademarks” and has moved offices to 3, Princess Street. In the 1881 census he is indicated to be living in Cheadle, his occupation being confirmed as a patent agent. In 1881 he is aged 45 and has a wife, a son, six daughters and two servants.