Harrison Brothers & Howson (George Howson)

The plate worker Thomas Sansom operated from 67 Norfolk Street in Sheffield and entered his mark in 1808. This business was taken continued with Thomas’ sons Abraham, John and William Sansom, operating under the name Thomas Sansom & Sons. In 1847 the business was acquired by James William Harrison, Henry Harrison and James William Howson, acting as Harrison Brothers & Howson.

Upon the retirement of James William Harrison in 1876, the company was continued by the other partners, and later joined by George Hawson (J.W. Howson’s son), Francis William Harrison (Henry’s son) and John Brocksopp Wilkinson (J.W. Harrion’s nephew); these later partners continued the firm from 1892.

In 1880 the firm was seen to expand to Shoreham Street Works and to a new factory in Carver Street (1901).

The firm opened London showrooms at 11 Hatton Garden (1866) and 43-44 Holborn Viaduct (1885), moving to Regent Arcade House, 19-25 Aryle Street (1941).

Later, the firm ceased its activity and the brand of Harrison Brothers & Howson was revived in 1978, under the style of Harrison Brothers & Howson Ltd, a subsidiary of Ben J. Dix of London Ltd.