Hi Alison + welcome to rootschat,
So glad you've found the thread interesting.
I have a book I bought from the Nottingham Castle Museum called 'A City in the Making - Drawings of Nottingham' - Thomas William Hammond. It has lots of drawings, hence the title, but also a potted biography on the few few pages, which mentions his origins and career development.
You sound as if you already know a little bit about him already, so this may not be new, but it relates how he studied at the Government School of Art - giving his occupation as 'draughtsman' until 1880. He won the Queen's Prize for a 'Design for a Lace Curtain', etc.
It tells about his career progress, marriage, home, etc. and about the changes he witnessed as Nottingham changed from his time in the 1870s, as a student, to the 1920s. he lived in a very exciting period in Nottingham's history and developemnt.
I wonder if it might be worth you getting in touch with the Nottingham Museum's service, Alison, as they obviously have information on Thomas William Hammond, and may have information on your ancestor, too.
Also, the Nottinghamshire Archives have two person's indexes with cards referring to archives material relating to individuals (they have a subject index, too).
The Nottingham Museums have a Costumes Museum - that might be worth contacting.
Hope you visit to Nottingham proves fruitful, Alsion.
Good luck + enjoy rootschat.
Paulene