John Watts Ltd. when it was still a working cutlery manufacturer. ©Geoffrey Tweedale
This company was originally founded in West Bar Green by Michael Shaw in 1765, who manufactured clog clasps and dog collars. After 1833 it was run by Brian Bates, who was related to the Shaw family by marriage. John Watts became a partner in the company in the 1850s, however, Bates dissolved the partnership in 1862 and moved to Buxton later becoming a successful hotelier. This left the company in John Watts’ capable hands, and during the next twenty years he expanded the company from its home in Lambert Street.
His son, also called John Watts, developed the manufacturing range and in addition to making clasps, graining combs and ice skates, they added pen and pocket knives and razors. They were also metal stampers and piercers. All this information was proudly displayed on the front of the workshops in ornamental plasterwork, which was recently restored.
John Watts Ltd. was in business until 1999, and by 2007 the building had been converted into flats.
Location
Just discovered a pocket knife belonging to my father with a stamp of John Watts on it.