Description:This view shows F. Kenning & Sons garage and showroom at Derby Turn, Burton-upon-Trent.
This family business began with Frank Kenning who in 1878 had started a door-to-door hardware retail business. By 1891 one of his sons George helped his father in the venture which was then based at a hardware shop on the high street in Clay Cross. In 1908, following the death of his father and older brother Frank, George took control of the firm and began to expand the business, helped by his younger brother Herbert. His first motor car agency was with Ford in 1916.
Kennings became the sole agency for Morris Motors cars and trucks in Derbyshire in 1919. He was an entrepreneur who grew the family business from a corner shop to a nationwide car dealership. George Kenning was knighted in 1943 for public service to Derbyshire. He died in 1956 and in later years the business became GKL The building remains (2024) though there has been an alteration to the frontage; it is currently occupied by a Carpet City store.
On the forecourt are three Morris vehicles of George Hodges & Son, Builders and Contractors, of Horninglow Street, Burton-upon-Trent. Today George Hodges & Son, established in 1877, are still based on Horninglow Street.