John Richard Lovelock was born in Mile End in Middlesex on 28 February 1821, the son of William and Jane Lovelock. Apart from being baptised on 26 August that year in the church of St Dunstan in Stepney we know nothing more of John until he appears in the 1841 Census Returns. He was living then, along with his brother James, in a dwelling in Duckett Street, Stepney, that also housed several families.

James was recorded as a Journeyman Brazier, but unfortunately he died in 1844. Our particular interest is John who was recorded as a Journeyman Hemp Dresser. These days whenever Hemp is mentioned it is difficult not to think 'Marijuana', but it turns out that Hemp is not only a 'superfood' but an all-round good news plant for the whole planet:

https://www.artefactmagazine.com/2022/01/26/hemp-the-future-of-sustainable-fashion/

John's main job would have been to prepare, clean, and comb hemp fibres to make them suitable for spinning into yarn or weaving into fabric. Hemp was historically used to make various products, including clothing, ropes, sails, and even paper. Hemp dressers played a crucial role in the production of hemp-based textiles by ensuring the fibres were of high quality and ready for further processing in the manufacturing chain.

Perhaps there was a downturn in the demand for hemp products, or perhaps something else to which John could easily turn his hand became more popular, because in 1851 he had become a Flax Dresser. In 1861 he was simply recorded as a labourer, but ten years later again he was back into a job concerned with materials once more, having become a Mattress Maker. He stayed in that trade until at least 1881, and although it does not sound a particularly lucrative business to be in by 1891 he was able to live on his own means, with only a lodger to provide further income for him and his wife. He eventually died in 1899.

Was John Richard the first recorded 'green' Lovelock through his work with Hemp?