William Ford Robinson (William) (Ford) Stanley
1829–1909
Scientific instrument maker. Went into business making drawing tools in 1854. Ceased using the name Robinson after 1857. Won a gold medal for making mathematical instruments in 1862. A pioneer in the use of aluminium. Began making surveying instruments in 1865. Author of works on surveying, physics, and instruments. Designed and endowed the Stanley Technical Schools in Norwood that opened in 1907, and bequeathed most of his estate to trade schools.
Source
ODNB
Bibliography
ODNB: Oxford dictionary of national biography: from the earliest times to the year 2000. (Revised edition.) Edited by H. C. G. Matthew and Brian Harrison. 60 vols. and index. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2004.
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