J. Pullar and Sons

J. Pullar and Sons Ltd. (also known as J. & J. Pullar and Pullars of Perth) was a dyeworks based in Perth, Scotland. It was founded by John Pullar in 1824 in Perth's Little Pomarium district[1][2] and pioneered the first synthetic dyes.[3] Pullars of Perth signs eventually appeared outside 7,552 agents across Britain.[3]

J. Pullar and Sons Ltd.
TypeLimited liability company
IndustryDyeing, dry cleaning
Founded1824 (1824)
FounderJohn Pullar
Headquarters
Perth, Scotland
,
UK
Area served
United Kingdom

When the company began in 1824, at its premises in Burt's Close, it had six employees.[2] Initially, the company dyed cloth for Pullar's father's clothing company but also provided dyeing and laundry services for the public.

The company relocated to 36 Mill Street, in the centre of Perth, in 1828, and benefitted from the arrival of trains around fifteen years later.

New premises were established on Kinnoull Street in 1848.[1]

In 1851, the company exhibited at the Great Exhibition in London and received the patronage of Queen Victoria the following year, thereafter being by appointment to the Queen.[4][3]

In 1865, the premises on Mill Street were rebuilt and named North British Dyeworks.[5][6] The building stands today as Pullar House, the home of Perth and Kinross Council.[7][5]

In 1867, Pullars became the first dry cleaning business in Scotland.[5] (Pullar's daughter-in-law Adelgunde Spindler was the daughter of Wilhelm Spindler, who invented the benzene method of dry cleaning.)[4]

A large works was established in the Tulloch area of Perth in 1883.[1] Bracken Brae occupies this site today.[8]

John Pullar died in 1878, aged 75.[3][9]

Conflict between the family and the unions contributed the company's gradual decline. It was taken over by Eastman of London in 1917, but it kept trading as J. Pullar & Sons, Dryers & Cleaners.[3] Reconstruction of the dyeworks was carried out, to a design by Robert Matthew Mitchell.[10]

Another company, Perth Dyeworks, was in operation in the early 20th century. Located on Dunkeld Road, it was owned by P. & P. Campbell.[11]

  • This plate, on the door of the Morris & Son's General Cambrian Establishment Drapers in High Street, Barmouth, Wales, reads 'Goods received for Pullars of Perth cleaners and dyers'
    This plate, on the door of the Morris & Son's General Cambrian Establishment Drapers in High Street, Barmouth, Wales, reads 'Goods received for Pullars of Perth cleaners and dyers'
  • Pullar's former Mill Street building
    Pullar's former Mill Street building

References
  1. ‘There is only one P in Perth - And, it stands for Pullars!: the Labour, Trade-Union, and Co-operative Movements in Perth, c. 1867 to c. 1922 - University of Dundee
  2. "John Pullar: Overview of John Pullar". scottish-places.info. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  3. John Pullar (1803–1878) - The Courier & Advertiser, 7 June 2016
  4. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography: Sir Robert Pullar
  5. "Volunteer researchers reveal history of Pullar House workers who perished in WWI ahead of centenary service" - The Courier, 28 February 2020
  6. Perth, Pullar's Dyeworks - Canmore.org.uk
  7. "Perth & Kinross Council - Pullar House". pkc.gov.uk. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  8. spw020087 SCOTLAND (1927). J Pullar and Sons Ltd. Tulloch Works, Tulloch Road, Perth. An oblique aerial photograph taken facing north - Britain from Above
  9. The Scottish Law Reporter: Containing Reports ... of Cases Decided in the Court of Session, Court of Justiciary, Court of Teinds, and House of Lords, Volume 16 - W. & R. A. Veitch (1879)
  10. "Dictionary of Scottish Architects - DSA Architect Biography Report (May 25, 2022, 10:22 pm)". www.scottisharchitects.org.uk. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  11. Official Guide to Perth and Its Neighbourhood by the Tramway Car Routes – Perth Town Council (1907), p. 14
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