A. E. Hawley and Co
of Sketchley Dye Works, Hinckley, Leics., hosiery finishers, dyers and cleaners.
Founded by Alfred Ernest Hawley (1861-1922) and continued by his son of the same name Alfred Ernest Hawley (1886-1957)
1885 A. E. Hawley founded the business at Hinckley for the dyeing and finishing of hosiery[1]
1889 Herbert George Clarke (1863-1935) joined A. E. Hawley in the business and his son George William Clarke (1903- ) was later chairman.[2]
Added cleaning and dyeing of household furnishings under the name Sketchley Dye Works.
1916 Private company incorporated
1926 of Sketchley Dye Works, of Hinckley, Leics. and Basford, Notts[3]
1947 Opened works at Park Royal for dry cleaning
1949 Public company incorporated. Was operating 236 branch receiving offices for cleaning and dyeing in London and the Eastern Counties.
1952 Demand for the Sketchley Overall Replacement Service was increasing; total of 270 dyeing and drycleaning branches[5]