William Houghton & Houghton & Gunn

1818 - 1906

The business of William Houghton (later to become Houghton & Gunn) was established in 1818. Like many Stationers, he sold a variety of items from writing boxes to books as well as fancy goods, a term typically used to describe a variety of desk and travel luxury items. Houghton's company was born out of the Wrangham Stationers business that had addresses at 153 and 161 New Bond Street, London. Anthony, Henry, Richard and William Wrangham's family had been Stationers and Booksellers at various addresses on and near to New Bond Street from the mid 18th century. A bookbinder's ticket to a book published in 1818 notes 'W. Houghton, Twelve Years with & successor to Mr. Wrangham, stationer &c. 161 New Bond Street'. A Poll Book for electing Parliamentary Representatives, dating from June to July 1818, still lists William Wrangham at 161 New Bond Street. This gives a start date for William Houghton's business to 1818 and suggests he was an apprentice to or worked for Wrangham from 1806. It would suggest that Houghton took over the premises and business in the second half of 1818. The 1822 Westminster Rates Books list Houghton at 161 New Bond Street and Pigot's 1823 Trade Directory also lists Houghton under both Stationers and Pocket Book Makers at this address.

The 1828 Westminster Rates Book lists William Houghton at 162 New Bond Street but the trade directories of the time still give his address as 161. Either he had both properties by 1828 or a clerical ... show more

The business of William Houghton (later to become Houghton & Gunn) was established in 1818. Like many Stationers, he sold a variety of items from writing boxes to books as well as fancy goods, a term typically used to describe a variety of desk and travel luxury items. Houghton's company was born out of the Wrangham Stationers business that had addresses at 153 and 161 New Bond Street, London. Anthony, Henry, Richard and William Wrangham's family had been Stationers and Booksellers at various addresses on and near to New Bond Street from the mid 18th century. A bookbinder's ticket to a book published in 1818 notes 'W. Houghton, Twelve Years with & successor to Mr. Wrangham, stationer &c. 161 New Bond Street'. A Poll Book for electing Parliamentary Representatives, dating from June to July 1818, still lists William Wrangham at 161 New Bond Street. This gives a start date for William Houghton's business to 1818 and suggests he was an apprentice to or worked for Wrangham from 1806. It would suggest that Houghton took over the premises and business in the second half of 1818. The 1822 Westminster Rates Books list Houghton at 161 New Bond Street and Pigot's 1823 Trade Directory also lists Houghton under both Stationers and Pocket Book Makers at this address.

The 1828 Westminster Rates Book lists William Houghton at 162 New Bond Street but the trade directories of the time still give his address as 161. Either he had both properties by 1828 or a clerical

error was made. By this date he had married his wife Ann, 14 years his junior, and a son also named William, was born in 1823. A second son John was born in 1827 and both also became Stationers. Daughters Louisa and Harriet were born in 1829 and 1836 respectively and a third son George followed in 1842. George became a Civil Engineer.

In 1840 Houghton is listed at 162 New Bond Street and Archbold Cockburn & Co., wine merchants took over 161. The 1851 Census describes William's two sons William junior and John as Stationers and we can presume they were working in their father's business. Please note that if you are reading this on any listing other than by Christopher Clarke Antiques, it is likely to have been copied without their permission. In 1856, the Crimean War ended and like many London shopkeepers, the Houghton's showed their patriotism by decorating the windows of 162 New Bond Street. A large Brunswick star with the letters V.R. were used in recognition of Queen Victoria.

By the 1861 census William senior is living at 28 Hamilton Terrace, Marylebone and is described as a Retired Stationer. His two eldest sons are no longer living with him and we can assume that they have taken over the business despite none of the trade directories ever reflecting their involvement. The name did change between 1865 and 1868 with the business becoming Houghton & Gunn. It is probable that it was Charles Gunn, a heraldic stationer born in Birmingham in 1844, who joined the business.

Houghton & Gunn adverts from 1876 and 1883 seek to enhance their credentials by stating they were established over 100 years and 130 years respectively. They were making the most of their previous connection to the Wrangham business who's start date would appear to be close to 1752.

The business of Houghton & Gunn seems to have continued successfully at the same address until the early 1900s. In the spring of 1906, a number of newspaper adverts appeared noting a Clearance Sale due to the amalgamation of Houghton & Gun, Stationers to H.M. The King, with Asprey & Co. Dressing Bag Makers to H.M. The King. The adverts stated, 'The Union of two Leading West-End Houses has necessitated the acquisition of further premises for carrying on the business, and as this entails rebuilding and alterations, the combined Stocks will be offered for Sale at a Reduction of from 20% to 50% in order to avoid Damage and Destruction during operations.' Aspreys had already swallowed up notable businesses such as Edwards the box makers and Leuchars. Houghton & Gunn's long-standing reputation served them well to make it an amalgamation and five years later in 1911, the company's letterheads still described the business as Asprey & Co. Ltd and Houghton & Gunn with the address of 165, 166 & 167 New Bond Street. Eventually Houghton & Gunn's name disappeared with Asprey still thriving today.

As the business of William Houghton, and later Houghton & Gunn, grew throughout the 19th century their range of stock naturally increased. From a start of selling Writing Boxes, Books and Pocket Books in the 1820's they progressed to offering a much wider range of luxury goods and offering their services as Heraldic Engravers and Die Sinkers, with the addition of Gunn. Despatch Boxes, stationery, portable games boards, writing desks, postage scales, game books, leather goods and a 'Little Grandfather Clock' etc. etc. all became available at the shop which had been a feature on New Bond Street throughout the 19th century.