Description:Henry Venables started his business as a carpenter and builder in Stafford in about 1855. By 1860 he had set up a timber business on Foregate Street, specialising in producing packing cases for shoe exports.
Soon after, he took out a lease on land at Doxey, and Rose Cottages were built which were the company offices until 1974 when new offices were erected.
The company's reputation for high quality dry oak and British hardwoods developed during the 1930s. A special joinery department made one-off commissions. After 1945 the company developed its technical advice service for architects and contractors. In the 1980s and 1990s Henry Venables Ltd had a number of major contracts, including the restoration of York Minster, the building of the Lantern Lobby at Windsor Castle, the Globe Theatre in London and the Swan Theatre in Stratford-on-Avon.
In 1999 the company was bought out by Henry Venables Products Ltd, with Tim Venables, a great great grandson, as Managing Director. In January 2000 the business moved to a new site on the Tollgate industrial estate.
Jo Holding can be seen sitting on the floor on the far right.