CHANGING the appearance of homes from top to toe had been the main pursuit of the Bradford-based firm Willey & Co, but in June 1974, it was time for the company’s Westgate/Godwin Street premises to receive a makeover of its own.
The wallpaper, paint, and do-it-yourself specialists had decided to modernise the interior of their large Bradford store to coincide with the new Kirkgate market development after gaining extra showroom space on each floor.
The new wallpaper showroom was possibly the largest in the country, with over 300 colours of paint to choose from, including Willey’s own make, Deccormecca.
Ever since do-it-yourself equipment was introduced in the late sixties, Willey & Co had been gradually extending their range.
But who was Willey, the man whose name had been emblazoned for years on the frontages of the wallpaper and paint company?
“No-one seemed to know for sure,” said managing director Jack Morris. Some thought it may have derived from the name of William Samuel Morris, a member of the director’s own family. Others thought it was a name that was conjured up, perhaps in a chat over a meal or a drink. “They may have even been someone called Willey or Willie,” stated Mr Morris.
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