A Famous Blind Carpenter

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 5 June 1914, Page 8

A Famous Blind Carpenter

There is surely not a more versatile blind man in the British Isles than Mr. J. W. Lawson, of Armley, Leeds. This clever young man, who lost his sight when but ten years old, after a severe attack of meningitis, can practically turn his hand to any work, but is specially an adept at intricate carpentry. He is quite an expert at clock-making. As a piano-tuner, this smart Leeds blind young man can make a very decent living, for he is a first-rate hand at the business. He is an excellent musician, music being his hobby, and he belongs to the wellknown Moorfield (Leeds) quartette party, whilst he is also a valuable tenor in the larger Leeds Musical Union. A present, from the ■members of that society for their conductor, a charming example of Sheraton work in the shape of a table, was given to Mr. Lawson to make, and the result of the task has caused much admiration in Leeds, so splendidly has Mr. Lawson done the work. He buys and sells antique furniture, contracts for this and that piece of work, with the sufficiency and confidence born of a true knowledge. He walks about busy Leeds as if he had a hundred eyes instead of being quite blind.