William Pratt, Jewellers

Walter Pratt began in the jeweller's trade in 1878, at the age of 23, and by May 1881, at the latest, was established in his own shop in Brisbane Street, Ipswich. It was a watchmaking, jewellery and engraving business, also dealing in medals and trophies. In 1876 he was lauded as a mechanical genius for his working model of a steam-engine, built while living on his Father's farm in Glamorgen.

In December 1900 the Queensland Times Ipswich Herald & General Advertiser described him as the 'oldest established watchmaker and jeweller in the town.'

In 1905 William began working as a manager in his Uncle Walter (W. T.) Pratt's jewellery store.

In 1909 the Queensland Times described the Pratt's business as "...one of the most up-to-date jewellery and electroplate houses in Queensland". They praised the window displays as being neat and allowing customers to see all the items as well as possible. William himself was described as a practical man. This was the same year that William's mother died, after she had moved to Ipswich only three months earlier. His father had passed four years earlier. In 1910 William became sole owner of the business.

Pratts remained in Brisbane Street until about 1932. On Monday 22 August 1932 the business moves to Cameron Chambers in Nicholas Street and is now known as Pratt's Jewellery Parlour. The shop is upstairs at this location and is accessed via an entrance next to Whitehead's Chemist.

In the 1940s the jewellers is situated next to Rhoades.

William Pratt passed away on the 5th of July 1948, at the age of 71, leaving behind a daughter. He was highlighted as the man who helped men choose their engagement rings for their wives, and for being known from "Boonah to Esk and Goodna to Gatton" (Queensland Times). Although he had been unwell for several years, he only retired about 18 months earlier. His daughter, Sylvia, was married to Professor E. C. Ringrose, who was one his way to Oxford University for specialised training at the time of his Father-in-law's death.

Early in the new year of 1949 it is announced that the stock of the late W. Pratt can still be purchased from R. Stanley, across the passage from Pratt's, near Vance Chemist, and that Pratt's Jewellery Parlour has closed.