Description

Admin History:

Messrs W & H Johnson, Oil Boilers and Refiners, Paint and Colour Manufacturers were established in 1887 by Walter Johnson (c.1861-1931) and Hubert Johnson (c.1857-1931). Hubert was Sheriff of Hull in 1912 and Lord Mayor of Hull in 1917.

Gradually between the years 1891 & 1926 the brothers purchased property at 199-203 High Street and 1-4 North Walls where they built what became known as 'The National Oil and Paint Works, Hull.' This is now the site of Hull College car park.

Their business was the manufacture of Lubricating Oils and Lubricants of every description. They specialised in Marine Engine Oils, Cylinder Oils, Refined Rape Oil, Boiled Linseed Oil, &c.; also Paints, Enamels, Ship's Compositions and Copper Paint for Wooden Vessels. By 1927 the firm had been established for over 40 years. They had an extensive foreign trade.

They became known for the manufacture of 'National' and 'Visco' Lubricating Oils and 'Triton' and 'Aurora' Paints, Enamels and Ships' Composition. W & H Johnsons exercised much attention and skill to refining and blending these lubricants and provided oils of the very highest quality.

Other products which had similar success were the 'National' Lubricating Oils, manufactured for Electric Installations, Gas Engines, Dynamos, Electric motors, Motor Cars, Stationary Engines and Shafting. The 'Triton' and 'Aurora' brands of Paints became well known for their high class qualities and durability in general use.

Their Head Office was at 202 High Street but they also had branches and / or stores in Newcastle-on-Tyne, Aberdeen, Cardiff and London:

In April 1932, after the death of both Walter and Hubert in 1931, the company became Limited by shares. The shareholders, each owning a whole share, consisted of Julia Johnson (widow of Walter), Dorothy Voase Johnson, (spinster and daughter of Walter), W.E. Nicholson (Commercial Manager), Mary J. Johnson (widow of Hubert) and Bernard Barker (seed crusher).

On 1st Jan 1970 W & H Johnson Ltd moved to the premises of Blyth Heald and Langdale Ltd., Oak Road, Hull. Production of Paints and Lubricating Oils continued, under the Johnson brand names. Their Executive Director joined Blyth Heald and Langdale Ltd as a one of their Directors.