Smith of Derby Group
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| Public Company | |
| Founded | 1856 |
| Products | clocks |
| Website | http://www.smithofderby.com |
Founded in 1856, the Smith of Derby Group are clockmakers based in Derby, Derbyshire, UK. The Smith of Derby business has been running continuously under 5 generations of the Smith family.
The earliest origins of Smith of Derby’s history began before the company was established in 1856. John Whitehurst I started making clocks in England in 1708. His son, John Whitehurst II (10 April 1713 – 18 February 1788) was tutored in the art of clockmaking by his father and also became a clockmaker, innovator and renowned scientist. He started a clockmaking business in Derby in 1736 at 22 Irongate, Derby. The third John Whitehurst III then carried on the family clockmaking tradition.
John Smith (21 December 1813 - 1886) became an apprentice to John Whitehurst III in 1827. He went on to be the founder of a new clockmaking company in 1856, first establishing his business in premises at 27 Queen Street in Derby. The Queen Street premises originally belonged to John Whitehurst, and it was the Whitehurst family home. After the death of John Whitehurst III, John Smith became, through reputation and craftsmanship, his successor.
John Smith’s new company flourished during the industrial revolution. When he died in 1886, his two sons, Frank and John took over the running of the family business. Under Frank Smith, the company were responsible for building the huge turret clock for St Paul's Cathedral in 1893.
Frank Smith died in 1913, and the company was run by staff until Frank's son Alan was old enough to take over the running of the business. Alan Smith was succeeded by Howard Smith, who, in turn was succeeded by Nicholas Smith.
During the 20th century, Smith and Sons expanded through the acquisition of a variety of businesses. Clockmakers William Potts & Sons, Leeds were established in 1833 and acquired by Smith of Derby in 1933; laying claim to be the oldest clockmakers in the world, J. B. Joyce & Company of Whitchurch were responsible for many clocks internationally and were acquired by Smith of Derby in 1965;George & Francis Cope were established in 1845 as producers of chronometers for the Admiralty, they joined Smith of Derby in 1984. In 1985 they acquired B & H (Derby) Ltd and became today’s Smith of Derby Group.
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