Originally established as a sign-making business in 1890 by William Grantham in Blackpool, the company emerged in response to the increasing demand for sign-writing services in the rapidly expanding town. By the early 20th century, Blackpool was experiencing exceptional growth. Recognising the need for professional signage, William Grantham’s business had, by the turn of the century, become the leading sign-writing company in the area.
The firm retained its position as the premier sign company in the region until the mid-1930s. However, between then and the outbreak of the Second World War, the business gradually reduced in size, eventually being run solely by Mr Grantham himself, who continued sign-writing until after the war. Approaching the age of eighty, Mr Grantham arranged for the company to be transferred to Walter Hudders. At this stage, the business remained largely unchanged from its founding years. Around the same time, Walter’s son Tom Hudders joined the company, and Granthams expanded into plastics and electronics, involving itself in all aspects of sign manufacturing. Once again, the firm quickly re-established itself as the leading sign company on the Fylde coast.
Granthams continued to grow, producing many highly skilled tradespeople, some of whom went on to establish their own businesses, helping the area’s reputation for quality craftsmanship to become among the best in the country. During the 1960s, the introduction of instant dry transfer lettering became essential for both sign production and artwork creation for the offset litho printing process, which required photographic-quality originals. In response, Granthams became one of the first companies in the UK to establish a dedicated department for graphic materials and equipment, becoming the country’s first dealer and distributor of Letraset printpaks.
In 1972, the business expanded and relocated to larger premises to accommodate its growth. This period also saw the company begin selling art materials. The popularity of Letraset products led to increased demand for complementary art supplies, prompting the company to stock a broader range of materials. The original sign-making shop was located just across the road, though no photographs of the building have survived. That same year, Tom’s son Mark, a qualified technical illustrator, joined the company and focused primarily on the graphic supplies division, becoming the third generation involved in the family business.
In the 1980s, the rise of computer technology made it logical for Granthams to expand into computer-cut materials. By the mid-80s, a new department was launched, specialising in computer-aided graphic systems for sign-makers and graphic designers. The company soon became an authorised dealer for Apple Computer Graphic Systems. In 1992, Deeper Blue Marketing & Design became the first design company in Blackpool to spend over £25,000 on a complete pre-press system from Granthams.
Entering the early 2000s, Granthams embraced online retail, launching ArtDiscount.co.uk in 2001. The website has since thrived and is currently celebrating its 24th anniversary since its inception.
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Text source: ChatGPTArtDiscount
