The HOUSE OF FRASER Archive

Company: Wilkinson & Riddell Ltd

Registration number:

Company name: Wilkinson & Riddell Ltd
Dates in business: 1851-1890

Type of business: Retail drapery

Type of company: Private limited liability company 1851

Locations:
  • 78 Bull Street, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England
  • Temple Row, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England

Company history

In 1851 William Winter Riddell and Henry Wilkinson opened a retail drapery shop at 78 Bull street, Birmingham. The business was successful and in 1863 a wholesale branch was also established in Temple Row. John Rackham and William Matthews were apprenticed to Wilkinson & Riddell in 1861 and eight years later both were promoted to positions as floor walkers. By 1878 Rackham had been appointed as dress buyer and Matthews as Linen buyer. In 1881management of the retail business was transferred to Rackhams and Matthews and the wholesale trade was hived off as a seperate concern. Shortly afterwards Wilkinson withdrew completely, in order to concentrate on the prospering wholesale trade, selling the retail shop to its new managers.

Records held for Wilkinson & Riddell Ltd:

FRAS 1293
Title: Title deeds
Date: 1702-1972

Related People and Companies:

Corporation name: Charles Richards Ltd
Dates of connection: 1890
Connection type: In 1890 Rackham & Co was bought by Charles Richards and in 1913 the limited liability company Charles Richards Ltd was formed.
Corporation name: Rackhams Ltd
Dates of connection: 1881
Connection type: In 1881 management of the retail business of Wilkinson & Riddell Ltd was transferred to Rackhams and Matthews

Access points: Retail trade - Drapers

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