• Gwynnes Ltd

In 1867 brothers John Gwynne, civil engineer, and Henry Gwynne established the Hammersmith Ironworks to manufacture of centrifugal pumping machinery, under the style of John & Henry Gwynne. In 1872 the partners formed a company as Messrs J & H Gwynne. The firm advertised in 1882 as ironfounders, hydraulic machine makers, marine engineers, boiler makers and ‘makers of the largest pumping machinery in the world’. In 1897 a limited liability company was registered as J & H Gwynne Ltd to take over the business. In 1903 J & H Gwynne acquired competitor centrifugal pump maker Gwynne & Co (est. 1849) of London. Its business and machines were subsequently transferred to Hammersmith and the name of the company changed to Gwynnes Ltd. In 1910 the firm employed about 400 men at its Hammersmith works making a broad range of pumps, including hydraulic ejectors and bilge, sanitary, fresh water, fire and other pumps for battleships. During the First World War under government instruction Gwynnes Ltd manufactured and were sole licensees for Clerget aero-engines building both Clerget (1,750) and Bentley BR2 rotary aircraft engines. It also produced pumps for the Admiralty and War Office. In January 1920 Gwynnes Ltd purchased Adam Grimaldi & Co Ltd, which made cars under the Albert name, at works on the Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London, and in March 1920 registered Gwynnes Engineering Co Ltd as a holding company to acquire the business and assets of both Gwynnes Ltd and Adam, Grimaldi & Co Ltd. However, the share issue did not attract support from investors and although the company made Albert and Gwynne cars from 1920 a receiver was appointed in 1923 and the company was compulsorily wound up in 1927. After the company was dissolved in 1927 the pump-making business continued as Gwynnes Pumps Ltd, under the ownership of William Foster & Co of Lincoln.