Fiddes has a long and proud history of producing wood finishes that began during the early part of the last century and continues to this day. Vale Life Magazine talks to owner Robert Fiddes Gooding to find out more.
Originally manufacturing paints and distempers to the joinery and building market, founder Alfred Fiddes moved from Bristol to Cardiff to set up a small manufacturing workshop at Trade Street, where he continued to develop and manufacture wood finishes over the next 30 years.
Alfred’s son-in-law Robert joined the business at the end of the 2nd World War and seizing a new opportunity, they developed their portfolio with a wider range of specialist wood finishes. By the early 1950’s, FIDDES had become a recognised supplier within the UK’s professional furniture & antique restoration market, providing a complete range of wax polishes, lacquers, shellacs and wood dyes.
In the late 1960’s a new, quick-drying wax polish was introduced, that was to lead to the significant development of Supreme Wax Polish several years later.
By the early 1970’s 3rd generation, Ian Fiddes, was instrumental in firmly establishing the FIDDES brand into both the Trade and Retail markets which he achieved with the support of his wife, Elizabeth and a dedicated team, some of whom remain with the company to this day.
1987 saw Rob Fiddes join amidst a rapid expansion of both the antique and new pine furniture markets. This heralded the development and launch of FIDDES Supreme Wax Polish which, as global demand grew, quickly established itself as the international market leader within this sector.
Following a fire in 1997 destroying over 70% of the premises, Rob Fiddes took overall control, steering the Company through a tumultuous two-year period of reconstruction.
With the development of new markets and an increase in demand for waterborne coatings, research was soon in place to formulate a durable, quick-drying Hard Wax Oil as a viable alternative to the more traditional floor oils currently on the market.
A new range of glass coatings was also developed for the sublimation and decorative glass industry and is supplied to various beverage and cosmetic coating plants worldwide. FIDDES are proud of their family heritage and retain a progressive outlook, ensuring a continued policy for investment in manufacturing and technology in the development of their comprehensive range of specialist and traditional wood and floor coatings.
Fiddes & Sons Ltd
Florence Works
Brindley Road
Cardiff
CF11 8TX
02920 340323
fiddes.co.uk
Leave A Reply