Bignells
of Imperial House, Rushden, Northants. Telephone: Rushden 600. Cables: "Bignells, Rushden"
Arthur J. Bignell and his son, Eric W. Bignell, started as manufacturers’ agents for men’s footwear in London, in conjunction with A. W. Gilbert and G. S. Gilbert. [1]
Within six years they had built up a company employing 1200 with an output of 2,250,000 pairs of boots and shoes a year. The aim of Mr Bignell and his son was to market a range of British made mass-produced footwear to meet popular demand for low-priced but distinctive shoes. Much of this was then being imported, particularly from Czechoslovakia, and central Europe.
1937 In January, a public limited company, Bignells Ltd was launched with three factories at Kettering, Wellingborough and Rushden. These were controlled from a central office in London but to keep a closer control on the manufacture they brought their offices to Imperial House, Rushden. Imperial House, in Duck Street, had formerly been a billiard hall, built in the early 1930’s, it was bought by Bignells in 1937, who remained there until 1962.
Expansion soon followed and they acquired the Poplar Boot Co from Mr O. L. Lawrence of Raunds (4,000 pairs a week), and Cunnington’s of Crabb Street, Rushden (2,500 pairs a week).
By 1940 they were making over 25,000 pairs of boots and shoes every week. Agencies in the British Empire, Africa, Canada and West Indies, were soon followed by the USA. Goodyear welted was the speciality at the old Cunnington’s factory and with its up-to-date machinery they soon trebled production there.
The welfare of their staff was also catered for with the opening of a hostel for young people who had left home to work in their factories and a canteen was run to provide meals for the factory and office staffs.
1947 Listed Exhibitor - British Industries Fair. Manufacturers of All types of Men's Boots and Shoes in medium to best qualities for Town, Country, or Sports wear. Juveniles' shoes for School and best wear. Produced in six specialised Factories. (Earls court, 1st Floor, Stand No. 147) [2]
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ [1] Rushden Research
- ↑ 1947 British Industries Fair p31