Chudleigh Brothers
Timeframe: c.1889 - ?
Partners: Charles & Sam Chudley
Business: Drapery, mining
Locations: Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, London
Notes
Charles and Sam Chudleigh relocated to Johannesburg in c.1889 where they co-founded the firm Chudleigh Brothers, which became a leading soft goods (textiles and clothing) emporium in the city's early shopping precinct. Operating from a store at the corner of Eloff and Pritchard Streets (originally called Mount’s Bay House (built 1892), later OK Bazaars), the business thrived amid Johannesburg's economic booms and busts.
Buildings
Mount's Bay House, Pritchard St, Johannesburg.
Mount's Bay House, Pritchard St, Johannesburg.
Advertisement (1912)
"The new premises of Messrs. Chudleigh Bros, are proceeding apace, and the firm hopes to be able to occupy a portion of them at Christmas. Already the foundations are well under way, and Mr. McMillan, of Messrs. Hirsch, Loubser and Co., informs us that “Malthoid " is to be utilised in the foundations to guard against dampness." (African Architect, Nov, 1911).
"We have to congratulate Messrs. Reid and Knuckey upon their having secured the contract for Messrs. Chudleigh Bros.' new building, the tender amounting to £72,750- The girder work was secured by Messrs. Dorman, Long and Co., of Middlesbrough, who tendered for £9,660. The site of the building covers six stands, with 100 feet frontage to Pritchard Street, 200 feet to Eloff Street, and 100 feet to President Street. The premises will be built in two sections, beginning with the south, which will be occupied during the building of the northern section, and the whole will be completed for the coming Christmas trade. The building will comprise a magnificent block, with a basement and four storeys. The basement, ground floor, and first floor will be occupied by the owners, and the second and third floors will comprise suites of two rooms - in all forty suites. Mr. J. A. Moffat is the architect." (African Architect, Sept, 1911).
"These fine buildings, one section of which is completed, and rapid progress is being made with the other half of the structure, will form one of the largest and handsomest blocks in Eloff Street, already distinguished by many fine buildings erected to the design of the same architect Mr. J. A. Moffat. The construction of the building is a credit to the contractors, Messrs. Reid and Knuckey. There are one thousand two hundred tons of steelwork in the building, supplied by Messrs. Wade and Dorman. The columns are the work of Messrs. J. Wright and Sons, Zuurfontein, who are now, apparently, able to turn out any order in the way of reinforcement. The painting and decorating is in the hands of Mr. W. Birch, and the electric lighting will be carried out by Messrs. Drew Brothers." (African Architect, Nov, 1913).
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