Richard Wheatley History 2

June 1914 saw a patent taken out for a fly carrying plate, made of alluminium and provided a clip for securing the flies. The boxes being perforated to permit the free circulation of air to facilitate the drying of the flies. the patent being in the name of Wheatley R and Wheatley F trading as Richard Wheatley and Son.

Up to the end of the first world war the parts of the boxes had been sources from outworks and assembled in the factory. But after military service Frank Wheatley joined the Company and a decision was made to manufacture the boxes completely. By 1923 the factory was in full production and all the boxes were made on site.

In 1921 another Richard Wheatley (son of Richard senior and brother of Frank) joined the Company as did T.L.Griffiths. During the period 1923 - 1939 a large number of patents were taken out for fishing tackle designs including that for the famous Kilroy spring fly fastening device. This in the name of Frank Wheatley of 90 Constitution Hill, Birmingham, L Kilroy Barn Elms Farm, Bradfield, Berkshire and W.D. Kilroy, Lane End, Everton, Hampshire producing what is arguably the finest salmon box ever invented. In 1923 the Company was producing the "Griffiths" Minnow a spinning and trolling bait. 1925 saw the finish of the black japanned fly boxes although this construction continued for minnow boxes, fly reserviors and other items

In 1932 a statue of a Child with a Lamb sculpture by John P Walker won a sculpture competition at the Birmingham College of Arts and Crafts which had been funded by Richard Wheatley an ex student of the college. Walker won the first prize of £50 and a further £250 to carry out the design in bronze. The statue was gratefully accepted by the City and errected in Handsworth Park. Wheatley is quoted by the local press as saying " I had been struck by the fact that all the pieces of

sculpture in public places seemed either to be memorials to great citizens or to record

some great event. None seemed created out of artist appreciation. I hope that by

seeing things great beauty people would be encouraged to spare a little money from

the modern way of recreationfor things of art which would beautify their homes."

Richard Wheatley financed two other art competitions at the College of Art & Crafts

including a mural desoration at Dulwich Road Senior Boys School in 1936. !938 saw

 the death of Richard Wheatley and the company change into one of limited liability.

In 1932 they had agents in Austria, Australia, Canada, India, Burma and Ceylon and

South Africa

In 1939 Birmingham City Council commissioned a statue of Boulton, Murdoch and

Wattas part of a scheme for Broad Street to show the contribution of the 3 men to

the City of Birmingham and the world. The statue cost £15,000 and was funded by the

Council and a bequest from Richard Wheatley

In 1932 Wheatley's had a London Office and showroomn at Balfour House Finsbury Pavement EC2

and at some time later an office at 612 Ulster Chambers, 168, Regent Street, W1

Rarity value is based on the simple system below

A - this boxes are either still available via Richard Wheatley, other fishing tackle dealers.

C- box is common & turns up regularly at vintage tackle dealers, fairs or auctions incl. ebay

S- this box is scare but turn up on occasions

R- this box is rare

RR- these are very rare

E - this is exceptional, extremely rare and few examples are known.

Remember Richard Wheatley Vintage Angling Equipment is worth what someone will pay and the contents of the box maybe worth more than the box