J. G. Graves Ltd.
Crookes Road., Hallamgate, Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
Enterprise Works, St. Mary's Road, and the junction with Shoreham Street, Sheffield

Sheffield's J.G. Graves Ltd. started with watchmaker John George Graves (1866-1969), but his true success came from mail order (1897).

By 1902, they employed 2,000 across various Sheffield stores! Embracing new trends, they added gramophones (1909) and significantly entered radio in the mid-1920s. Their Ariel brand offered affordable crystal sets (1923/4), while Vulcan radios (1926-late 1930s) catered to more advanced users. Though details are limited, they likely manufactured some radio components themselves, leveraging their existing electroplating expertise. Their mail-order network ensured national reach for their radio products.
While radio wasn't their sole focus, J.G. Graves Ltd. played a role in bringing this revolutionary technology to British homes.

From Watchmaker to Mail Order Giant: The Rise and Fall of J.G. Graves Ltd.

John George Graves (1866-1945) started his journey in Sheffield as a watchmaker in the late 1880s. His entrepreneurial spirit soon blossomed, leading him to expand into jewelry, silverware, and cutlery by the early 1890s. However, Graves' true genius lay in recognizing the potential of mail order. In 1897, he launched this venture, which would become the cornerstone of his success. By 1902, the business employed a massive workforce of 2,000 and generated a staggering £1 million in annual revenue.

The company was formally incorporated as J.G. Graves Ltd. in 1906, solidifying its position as a major player. Their reach expanded beyond Sheffield, with listings for general merchants, manufacturers, watchmakers, and jewelers on Durham Road, while electroplating operations flourished on Margaret Street (1911).

J.G. Graves Ltd. embraced new trends, adding gramophones and records to their offerings in 1909. [1] The company further diversified in the mid-1920s, venturing into radio manufacturing in a significant way. This wasn't just a small addition to their product line. They established themselves as a notable player in the early days of domestic radio.

J.G. Graves and the Dawn of Radio:

• The 1920s: J.G. Graves Ltd. entered the radio market in the mid-1920s, capitalizing on the growing demand for home entertainment. They launched the Ariel brand, producing crystal sets and amplifiers (1923/4). These crystal sets were simpler and more affordable than valve radios, making them accessible to a wider audience. Graves also offered Vulcan brand radios (1926 – late 1930s), catering to those seeking more advanced features and sound quality.
• Production and Distribution: While details are scarce, it's believed J.G. Graves Ltd. likely manufactured some radio components in their Sheffield factories, leveraging their existing electroplating expertise. They may have also partnered with other manufacturers for certain parts. Their extensive mail-order network proved to be a powerful distribution channel, allowing them to reach a national audience with their radio products.
• A Legacy of Innovation: While radio production wasn't their sole focus, J.G. Graves Ltd. played a role in bringing this revolutionary technology to homes across Britain. Their Ariel crystal sets likely sparked a fascination with radio in many, particularly younger generations. The Vulcan radios offered more sophisticated listening experiences, contributing to the overall evolution of domestic radio technology.

Despite their success, J.G. Graves Ltd. couldn't outrun the tides of change. The company eventually closed its doors in 1969, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and an impactful role in Sheffield's commercial landscape.[2]

[1] Nursing Times Feb 13, 1909, Page 137.
[2] London Gazette Sep 26, 1969, Page 9937