Bristol Uniforms

Bristol Uniforms is a British clothing company that specializes in the manufacture of modern-day safety and fire protective clothing.

Bristol Uniforms
TypeSubsidiary
IndustryPersonal Protective Equipment
Founded1961 (1961)
FounderPatrick Seager Hill
Headquarters
Bristol
,
United Kingdom
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsFire & Rescue uniforms
ParentMSA Safety
WebsiteMSA Bristol

History

Wathen Gardiner & Co

Wathen Gardiner & Co, the parent company of Bristol Uniforms, was founded as Gardiner & Sons in the city of Bristol, England in 1801 by John Gardiner, who served in 1819 and 1824 as High Sheriff of Bristol. The firm operated initially as a wholesale clothing company that exported women’s clothing to the West Indies. When Bristol in the 19th century was considered a major player in the clothing industry, Wathen Gardiner & Co was reputed to be one of the oldest operating companies in the city.[1][2]

Charles Wathen in 1862 joined the firm, and created a partnership in 1865 with John Gardiner's son, Henry Gardiner. The company name subsequently became Wathen Gardiner & Co. It grew and expanded its reach outside of Britain by exporting clothing to Latin America, Australia and New Zealand, often returning with wool that was used to make more clothing. Wathen retired in 1887 from the business and went on to become a six times Mayor of Bristol, being knighted in 1889 for his accomplishments. His business partner William Hill took over the company and served as the principal proprietor until the mid 1920s when he retired, being succeeded by his son William John Hill who took over ownership of the company.[3][4][5]

Wathen Gardiner & Co under the stewardship of the Hill family made uniforms in both world wars for the armed forces, and started after the Second World War to supply uniforms to other organizations, including HM Customs and Excise, hospitals and water boards. When William John Hill retired in 1964 as principal proprietor, uniforms represented a major part of the company business.[6][2]

Bristol Uniforms

Bristol Uniforms was incorporated on 15 November 1961 as a subsidiary of Wathen Gardner & Co, under the stewardship of William John Hill's son Patrick Seager Hill, who in 1965 became the sole proprietor & managing director. The company ultimately specialized in the manufacture of fire proximity suits, and fire protective and safety clothing for the Royal Air Force, the offshore oil industry, and fire brigades. Wathen Gardiner & Co and Bristol Uniforms remained separate companies until Wathen Gardiner & Co dropped their name, and merged with Bristol Uniforms, which still trades today.[7][2][8]

As of February 22nd 2022, the company is now a subsidiary of MSA Safety.

  • Later 19th-century drawing of the Bristol factory of Wathen Gardiner & Co
    Later 19th-century drawing of the Bristol factory of Wathen Gardiner & Co
  • Fred Farnsworth, an employee, accompanying Queen Mary of Teck on a visit during WWII
    Fred Farnsworth, an employee, accompanying Queen Mary of Teck on a visit during WWII

References
  1. Cowen, Laurence (pseudonym Lesser Columbus) (1893). Greater Bristol. London: The Pelham Press. pp. 178–193. ISBN 9781241243074.
  2. "The History of Bristol Uniforms 1801-2016" (PDF). Bristol Uniforms Limited (website). Retrieved 22 November 2017.
  3. "Obituary - Sudden Death of Sir Charles Wathen". Western Daily Press. No. Wednesday, 15 February 1893. Bristol. p. 5.
  4. "Wathen, Gardiner & Co, Broad Street (Clothing)". Bristol Information - Information for Bristol Business (website). Retrieved 25 November 2017.
  5. Anonymous (1893). "Wathen, Gardiner & Co., Wholesale & Export Clothiers". Progress Commerce 1893: The Ports of the Bristol Channel; Wales and the West. London, England: The London Printing & Engraving Co. p. 202.
  6. "Wathen, Gardiner & Co. (under 1914 Who's Who in Business: Company W)". Graces Guide to British Industrial History. Retrieved 22 November 2017.
  7. "Bristol Uniforms Limited". Companies House. Retrieved 22 November 2017.
  8. "Company Overview of Bristol Uniforms Limited". Bloomberg Businessweek (website). Retrieved 25 November 2017.
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