Peter George Wilson

This is Peter George Wilson. He was born on the 2nd April 1843 at New Keith, Banff-shire. He served an apprenticeship to his father, also Peter Wilson, in c.1856. In business on his own account at 100, Church Street, Inverness c.1865 and moved later that same year to 8, Union Street.

As a maker of Highland jewellery he was in the right place at the right time. In 1866 Baron Rothschild and his party were passing through Inverness and purchased several pieces from Wilson. These pieces were noted by the Prince and Princess of Wales and in 1867 Wilson was summoned to Balmoral and was favoured with large orders from the Queen and many of the Royal Family. It was an association that was to last several years and in 1868 he was granted the Royal Warrant.

In 1873 Wilson moved to 44, High Street and on the 27th March 1879 he married Helen Whyte at Aberlour near Elgin.

In 1882 Wilson purchased the business of Robert Naughten II of 27, Church Street, Inverness and in 1889 he moved to 1, High Street, Inverness. His wife, Helen, died in March 1901 and Wlison moved, yet again, to 50, Church Street.

Peter Wilson's business was sold up in 1915 by public auction. It appears to have been a sad end to a once thriving business, as the sale details stated 'The auctioneer has every confidence in recommending the quality of the stock, although the goods and premises have been neglected on account of the propreitor's ill health'.

Peter George Wilson died in January 1925. Items of his manufacture were marked ' PGW. INS' or 'P.G.WILSON INVERNESS'.