1902
Brothers James Williamson Thomson Bell and Richard Brittain Bell arrived in Cape Town, South Africa from Scotland.
1902 – 1906
They both worked for the furniture manufacturer D Isaacs in Cape Town. There was a very bad depression between 1905 and 1908 during which time James Bell became redundant and for awhile became a traveling salesman throughout the Eastern Cape (soft furnishings, blinds, curtains and upholstery).
1906-1908
The brothers rented two rooms in Castle Street, Cape Town started their own furniture manufacturing company, Bell Bros – employed 6 workmen.
1908-1910
Herbert Webb joined the company and the name was changed to Bell Webb & Bell. Rented a factory with machinery in Wale Street, Cape Town. The trademark ‘BelWeb’ was registered.
1910-1919
Rented a factory on the corner of Chiapani Street and Dock Road, Cape Town and bought their own machinery.
1919
Built their own factory in Observatory, Cape Town which was called “Oakfield Works”. Factory was designed by architects Parker & Forsyth.
1920
Fire broke out after 3 months and £7,000 worth of damage done to contracts.
1924
Herbert Webb died.
1926
Fire in upholstery department.
1928
Richard Bell retired.
1936
James Bell retired (due to ill health) and company was put into voluntary liquidation as no suitable buyer was found.
1939
Richard Bell died.
1961
James Bell died.
PARTNERS and STAFF
Richard B BELL – Manager of factory (cabinet maker) and setter-out.
Herbert WEBB – Manager of machine shop.
James W T BELL – Managing Director and manager of upholstery department.
STAFF - Austin Allsop, Patrick Casey, Robert Slater, Robert Morton, Harrington, WJ Bossenger (apprentice) and Edward Taylor (apprentice - stepson of Richard Bell).
DESIGNS
Reproduction of antiques - Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton.
Richard Bell – fully qualified cabinet maker trained in Edinburgh.
1927 - Patrick Casey was interviewed in London by James Bell.
1928 - Patrick Casey joined Bell Webb & Bell as a designer and draughtsman and Austin Allsopp took over as setter-out from Richard Bell.
TIMBER
Timber was imported from the UK (oak), Burma (teak), American (oak) and from South Africa (stink wood).
Brass fittings: Birmingham.
Glass: Pilkington, England.
Upholstery: England.
Bell Webb & Bell - patented roller drawers.
Shippers in the UK: James Miller & Co, Finsbury Square, London.
PROJECTS
Houses of Parliament, Cape Town.
Opening of University of Cape Town.
High Commissioners residence in London.
Pieces sold throughout South Africa and Rhodesia through ‘Meikles’.
Bedroom suite for the Price of Wales visit to Durban (1925) - later sold and purchased by a Mrs Hunter of Durban North, Natal, South Africa.
Exhibited circa 1928 at Trade Fair in Cape Town near Grand Parade – building was specially erected for the event.
Next page: 2.1 Gallery: Living Room & Study