Sympson

Joiner and Cabinet Maker. He was employed by Samuel Pepys and is described by him in his dairy as Sympson the Joiner. The book cases in the Pepys library at Magdalene College are examples of his work showing him to have been an exemplary craftsman.

entry 17 August 1667

"So took up my wife and home, there I to the office, and thence with Sympson, the joyner home to put together the press he hath brought me for my books this day, which pleases me exceedingly.

and a few days later

"and then comes Sympson to set up my other new presses for my books, and so he and I fell into the furnishing of my new closett.....so I think it will be as noble a closett as any man hath."

It is said that the same books, in the same order are still kept as Pepys arranged them in the Pepys Library in their original bookcases.