Edward Goodrick (sometimes spelled Goodricke) Draper was born on 10 February 1844 in Fenton Street, Leeds.  He was the son of Henry Draper, a linen draper, and his wife, Caroline.  The family had moved to Sheffield by 1851.  Edward became a ship’s apprentice, but by 1871 was described in the Census as an electro-plater in Sheffield.  He became involved with John Unwin, who was a partner in Unwin & Rodgers.   Draper was named on a number of patents with Unwin, who in 1873 had organised Sheffield Nickel & Silver Plating Co Ltd [SNSP].   This company (capitalised at £20,000) included John Brook & Son, William Mammatt & Co, John Unwin, and Unwin & Rodgers.  The firm was first based in Rockingham Works, Rockingham Street, from where it registered a silver mark.  

John Unwin (the managing-director) had guaranteed a 15 per cent dividend (after selling his patents to the company), but the enterprise made no profits and disagreements occurred.  In 1876 – when SNSP reported a loss of £12,844 – the other partners forced Unwin to sell out.   James Walkland was also involved in this complicated saga.  By 1880, Draper was a manager and senior partner in the factory, which in 1873 had moved to Globe Works, Penistone Road (the home of Unwin & Rodgers).  In 1881, Draper told the Census that he employed six men, nine women, and two boys.  In 1886, SNSP registered a new silver mark at Globe Works.   In 1888, Draper dissolved his partnership with James Neill and instead launched Edward G. Draper & Co, electro-platers, Globe Works.   Edward G. Draper, Moor Oaks Road, died on 14 May 1905, leaving £1,409.   His wife Eliza née Fox, whom he had married at Mount Zion Chapel, and his son William H. Draper (1874-1969?), survived him.   The firm continued to be listed as an electro-plater and electro-bronzer into the inter-war period.