J. & W. Hilton

J. & W. Hilton is a cabinetmaking and interior design company founded in Montreal, Canada, in 1820 by cabinetmaker John Hilton, who went into partnership with his son William in 1845.

In 1820, cabinetmaker John Hilton founded his own furniture manufacturing business in Montreal. Around 1823, he partnered with James Baird to create Hilton & Baird. In 1833, Edmond Baird replaced James Baird as a partner. This partnership was dissolved in 1844. In 1845, John Hilton partnered with his son William, creating the J. & W. Hilton Company. After John Hilton's death in 1866, his sons William and Edward continued the business. However, financial difficulties combined with an economic crisis forced the company to declare bankruptcy in 1872, and the company was liquidated later that year. William Hilton, however, continued to operate as a furniture dealer under the name "J. & W. Hilton" until he himself declared bankruptcy in 1875.

This company "was one of the most prestigious furniture businesses in the country." In 1871, its production value placed it second among the largest furniture manufacturers in Quebec, behind the firm of cabinetmaker William Drum of Quebec City. Its reputation and the quality of its furniture earned it the privilege to represent Canada at the 1851 World's Fair in London, United Kingdom, and then at the 1855 World's Fair in Paris, France.