Makers & Designers

Active c.1824-1841

John Townsend was an active goldsmith, jeweller, and later auctioneer in Cape Town from 1824 to 1841, though his birth and death dates are unknown. He began his career at 9 Berg Street (1824–1825), then moved to 4 Longmarket Street in 1826, followed by 5 Longmarket Street (1827–1829), 1 Market Square (1830–1832), and 5 Heerengracht (1833–1835). In 1836, he operated a manufactory of plate and jewellery at 1a St John Street, returning to 5 Heerengracht from 1838 to 1841, where he expanded his services to include watchmaking. During this time, he became part of the firm Bevil and Townsend, Auctioneers and Appraisers (1841), and later joined Deneys Brothers & Company at 16 Heerengracht (1842–1844), continuing there as an auctioneer until 1846. His earlier business address (1833–1837) was shared with Adams and Daniel, and from 1837 to 1841, with Peter Clarke Daniel.