Crapper set to be flushed with success as iconic brand returns to Yorkshire

Now it’s time to bring out the bunting, because Thomas Crapper & Co is coming home to Yorkshire, at a time when Britons are spending more time improving their bathrooms.

One of Europe’s largest manufacturers of baths, Huddersfield-based Hartford Holdings, has announced the historic buy-out of Thomas Crapper & Company. The company was founded by Thomas Crapper from Thorne, in Doncaster, in the early 1860s. Contrary to popular belief, Mr Crapper did not invent the flush toilet. He did, however, do much to increase the popularity of the toilet, and developed some important related inventions, such as the ballcock.

Joseph Bramah of Yorkshire patented the first practical water closet in England in 1778. In a time when bathroom fixtures were barely spoken of, Mr Crapper heavily promoted sanitary plumbing and pioneered the concept of the bathroom fittings showroom.

Thomas Crapper & Company currently turns over around £1m and employs seven people at its Stratford upon Avon base. Although the new ownership means the brand is finally returning to its Yorkshire roots, operations will remain in Stratford upon Avon. Paul Dwyer, who has more than 30 years of experience working in the bathroom sector, has been appointed managing director of Thomas Crapper and will work alongside Hartford Holdings’ managing director, David Mosley and his brother, director Adam Mosley.

David Mosley said: “To say we’re delighted to be welcoming the Thomas Crapper brand to Hartford Holdings would be an understatement – this news marks a pivotal moment in our business development.”