G. H. Downing

For other people with the same name, see George Downing (disambiguation).

George Henry Downing, JP (10 November 1866 – 12 October 1937) was a British businessman and philanthropist. He was chairman of G.H. Downing & Co. Ltd., involved in the manufacture of bricks and tiles.

G. H. Downing JP
George Downing
High Sheriff of Staffordshire
In office 1936–1937
Personal details
Born	George Henry Downing (1866-11-10)10 November 1866 Chesterton, Staffordshire, England
Died	12 October 1937(1937-10-12) (aged 70) Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, England
Relatives	Ken Downing (son)
Occupation	Manufacturer, philanthropist

Established by James Downing in the late 19th century,^[1][2] the company claimed to be the largest producer of roof tiles in the world.^[3] Based at Brampton Hill, Newcastle-under-Lyme, G.H. Downing became one of the principal employers in north Staffordshire with several thousand workpeople.^[4] In 1921, he acquired the Etruria works.^[5] By 1939 the company had taken over the entirety of the local Staffordshire works.^[6]

Downing was a Justice of the peace for Stoke-on-Trent and appointed High Sheriff of Staffordshire in 1936.^[7]

On 10 November 1936, Downing celebrated his birthday at Trentham with over 3500 guests, many of whom were his employees.^[8]

Downing died at his residence of Clayton Lodge, Newcastle-under-Lyme, in October 1937, aged 70.^[9] He was to be knighted, but died before the patent could be completed.

He was the father of Ken Downing, a Formula One racing driver.^[10]