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A BRIEF HISTORY OF RICHARDSONS IRONMONGERS

The Richardson family started trading at Lampton Road, Raynes Park, West Wimbledon SW20, in 1930. In 1945, after leaving active service in the Royal Navy, John Richardson took over the Family business. In 1947, John married Daphne and the business became a partnership.

In August 1960, the Business moved to its present trading address in Feltham. In 1968 the Business was joined by their Son Jim. Jim had previously been working for RC Love Limited of Hounslow, which was then a large specialist ironmonger and tool dealer. During his time at R C Love’s he had passed all the National Institute of Hardware Exams. Some years later, he passed the Master Locksmiths entrance exam.

In 1969 their other Son Steve joined the business. Steve had previously been working for Fred Ide & Son Ironmongers of Fife Road, Kingston, and then moved to Barons of Broadwick Street, London W1. Baron’s was a very large locksmith company where Steve was taught his trade from experts in all fields of locksmithing.

In 1980 Danny Mansell, started work as a part-time assistant. At only14 years old and still in full time education, Danny was an up-and-coming junior footballer, On leaving school he started full time employment, he worked alongside other employees at Richardsons and learnt his trade passing National institute of Hardware C & G exams and The Master locksmiths entrance exam. He has now worked his way up to being the shop Manager. John Richardson retired from the partnership in 1990, however, he still visits the shop regularly.

Richardsons employ 10 staff, some full time and some part-time, one of whom is Jim Richardson’s wife Jan. All staff are offered every opportunity of training, ranging from St Johns Ambulance First Aid at Work to instructional courses, exams and factory visits.

The business premises are a large double fronted shop of 60 foot in depth with office and additional warehouse storage adjoining and nearby.  Richardsons specialise in locksmithing, key cutting and architectural ironmongery. In addition, they keep a large comprehensive stock of fixings ie; screws rawlbolts, nails and glues etc. Also stocked is a very large and extensive range of hand tools for all trades.  In the last 10 years product lines such as, cycle spares and plumbing supplies have been added. Within the last 3 years a large model making supplies department has been introduced.

Richardsons offer an in-store engraving service that can produce signs to order and engrave plaques, tankards and cups. They have recently included car number plate manufacture to this department.

A local delivery service and special order service is available on request.

For further information please telephone 020  8890 4399, fax 020 8890 9946 or email enquiries to: sales@richardsons-retail.co.uk