Our history
We have more than 160 years’ experience and history, crafting beautiful ironwork under the same roof in Walsall where it all began back in 1855.
Founded in 1855
Our business was founded by William Kirkpatrick, Esq. J. P. (1817-1887) in Walsall in 1855, and carried on for many years in his name and direction.
His son, Vincent Kirkpatrick, succeeded his father and presided over the incorporation of the business as a Limited Company in 1901. Upon incorporation, many loyal and long serving employees were given a shareholding, starting a tradition which continues to this day.
Many of the descendents of those first shareholders still retain their interest in the Company and the Kirkpatrick family still also retain a shareholding.
Adapting to change
While looking back through our large collection of product catalogues dating back to the 19th century, much of our present window and door furniture remains true to our roots and has changed little over the past 160 years.
But we’ve not stood still – apart from during both World War I and II, when production was interrupted to concentrate on the war effort, we’ve been constantly evolving to reflect changing tastes, fashions and technology. For example, many of our window fasteners now include secure locking mechanisms and we also supply products to suit modern UPVC windows and doors.
The last UK foundry
In the mid-20th century there were many jobbing foundries in the Midlands and the Black Country, however most have fallen by the wayside owing to increasing international competition from India and the Far East.
As a result, we are immensely proud to be the only manufacturer of traditional black ironmongery left in the UK who genuinely pours their own metal.
Our continued success is due to the world-class quality of our genuinely hand-made products and our ability to adapt and develop our range to suit the needs of an ever changing world.