Business History Explorer Supported by the Business Archives Council

Dunhill, Alfred, Ltd

Other Business Names:

  • Dunhill, Alfred
  • Dunhill, Alfred, of London Inc
  • Dunhill, Alfred Henry
  • Dunhill, Mary
  • Carreras Ltd
  • Richemont Holdings Ltd

Locations city-town / local authority / county1974 / region-state / country:

  • London, Greater London, Greater London, Greater London, England
  • New York NY, United States
  • Paris, France
  • Plaistow, Greater London, Greater London, Greater London, England
  • South Kensington, Greater London, Greater London, Greater London, England

Sectors:

  • Distribution - retailing Jewellery, silverware & similar luxury goods retailing
  • Leather & other skins processing & products manufacture Luggage, bags, accessories, etc, production
  • Chemical production Perfumes, cosmetics & toilet goods production
  • Non metallic mineral products manufacture Tobacco pipe production
  • Food & tobacco processing Tobacco products manufacture
  • Distribution - retailing Tobacco products retailing

Notes:

Traces origins to a saddlery business which Alfred Dunhill, 1872-1959, acquired from his father in 1893 and converted into a maker / supplier of luxury items for motorists such as clocks, picnic sets, goggles, etc, at Notting Hill Gate; relocated to Plaistow in late 1940s. Subsequently in 1907 opened as a retailer of tobacco and of men's smoking and luxury goods in London's St James's. It also manufactured these goods including pipes and lighters as well as cigarettes. Expanded rapidly and with great success. Incorporated 1923 as Alfred Dunhill Ltd. First overseas branch opened in New York in 1924 as Alfred Dunhill of London Inc. Another was at Paris. Also came to manufacture and distribute, especially in USA, women's cosmetics. Alfred Henry Dunhill, 1896-1971, led business from 1928 followed by his sister, Mary, from 1961 to 1976. Carreras in 1967 acquired a half share in the business; it already had obtained a licence to use the Dunhill brand on a cigarette. Sometime acquired by Richemont Holdings Ltd. Brand continues in 2024 [2024]

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