John Fothergill (1730–1782) was a merchant from Birmingham, England. Fothergill was the manufacturer Matthew Boulton's business partner between 1762 and 1782. Fothergill's expertise was mainly in trading - he had served an apprenticeship in Königsberg, spoke

French French (french: français(e), link=no) may refer to: * Something of, from, or related to France ** French language, which originated in France, and its various dialects and accents ** French people, a nation and ethnic group identified with Franc ...

and

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, and had travelled widely in Europe as an agent for other manufacturers. Together they opened the

Soho Manufactory The Soho Manufactory () was an early factory which pioneered mass production on the assembly line principle, in Soho, Birmingham, England, at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. It operated from 1766–1848 and was demolished in 1853. Be ...

, one of the earliest factories in Birmingham. However, Boulton and Fothergill's partnership never made a profit, and the relationship ended in acrimony.

Notes

1730 births 1782 deaths English businesspeople {{UK-business-bio-stub