Bradbury Wilkinson and Company was a renowned British company that played a significant role in the development of printing technology. Established in 1856, the company's early days were marked by its innovative approach to printing.
The company's first major project was the printing of the 1861 census returns, which showcased its capabilities in handling large-scale printing tasks. This project was a huge success, and it set the tone for the company's future endeavors.
Bradbury Wilkinson and Company's expertise in printing was soon recognized by the British government, who appointed them as the official printers for the House of Lords. This prestigious appointment was a testament to the company's exceptional skills and attention to detail.
The company's commitment to quality and innovation led to the development of new printing technologies, including the introduction of the first high-speed printing press. This press enabled the company to produce large quantities of printed materials quickly and efficiently.
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Company History
Bradbury Wilkinson and Company has a rich history that spans over a century. The company was established in the 1850s by Henry Bradbury.
Bradbury began printing banknotes in 1856. He died in 1860, but the company continued to grow and expand.
In 1873-74, the firm built an imposing six-storey workshop in Holborn, London, which is now a Grade II-listed building. This impressive structure has stood the test of time.
The company printed the first series of the Imperial Bank of Persia banknotes in 1890. This was a significant milestone for the company.
In 1903, the company was acquired by the American Bank Note Company. This marked a new chapter in the company's history.
In 1917, the company moved to New Malden in Surrey, still operating as Bradbury-Wilkinson as a wholly owned subsidiary of ABNC. This move allowed the company to continue its work in a new location.
The company created a form of polymer banknote using Du Pont's Tyvek material in 1983. This innovative material was marketed as Bradvek and used to print 1-pound banknotes for the Isle of Man.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Material Adverse Change
The company was acquired by De La Rue in 1986. This acquisition marked the beginning of the end for Bradbury Wilkinson as a standalone company.
The last Bradbury Wilkinson plant was shut down by De La Rue in 1990. This brought an end to the company's long history of printing banknotes.
For more insights, see: De La Rue
Argentinean Rip-Offs
I've learned that Argentinean banks, such as Banco de la Nación, were notorious for their rip-offs in the early 20th century.
The Bradbury Wilkinson and Company, a British banknote printing company, was contracted to print Argentine banknotes.
The company's involvement in Argentina led to a series of banknote designs that were often criticized for their lack of security features.
In 1927, the company printed a series of notes that were so poorly designed they were easily counterfeited.
The Argentine government eventually took notice of the problem and began to implement new security measures in their banknotes.
The company's reputation took a hit due to their involvement in the Argentine banknote scandal.
On a similar theme: Argentine Peso Ley
Company Name
Bradbury Wilkinson and Company was an English engraver and printer of banknotes, postage stamps, and share certificates. The company was originally begun in 1856 by Henry Bradbury.
The company was established at New Malden in Surrey, where it remained until 1986. Bradbury Wilkinson & Co was acquired by De La Rue in 1986.
The site where the company was located is now occupied by the Shannon Corner Tesco supermarket.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Bradbury notes?
The Bradbury notes are a type of emergency currency issued by the British government in 1914 to conserve gold reserves during World War I. These notes were printed as a temporary measure to replace gold-backed banknotes.
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