Smith, Starley and Co

Ariel cycle.

c1870. Ariel. Exhibit at the National Cycle Collection.

c1870. Ariel. Exhibit at the National Cycle Collection.

c1870. Ariel. Exhibit at the National Cycle Collection.

c1870. Ariel. Exhibit at the National Cycle Collection.

c1870. Ariel. Exhibit at the National Cycle Collection.

Sewing machine makers, of St. Agnes Works, Hale Street, Coventry (1873)

of Ariel Works, Spon Street, Coventry.

of Trafalgar Works, Crow Lane, Coventry (1876)

c. 1870 James Starley left the Coventry Machinists Co and, in conjunction with William Hillman, started on his own account in St. John's Street, Coventry, making sewing machines.

1871 Starley was joined in business by William Borthwick Smith as Smith, Starley and Co at St. Agnes Lane, Hales Street to manufacture the "Europa" sewing machine which had been patented by James Starley that year and the "Ariel" bicycle. The "Ariel" was licenced to be manufactured by Haynes and Jefferis. For a summary of the various users of the Ariel name see Ariel - an overview.

1872 Hillman leaves the partnership. '...the Partnership heretofore subsisting between Borthwick Smith, James Starley, and William Hillman, under the style of Smith, Starley, and Co., carrying on business as Sewing Machine s&d Bicycle Manufacturers, at St. Agnes Works, Coventry, has been dissolved by mutual consent, and by the retirement of William Hillman. All debts due to and owing by the said partnership will be received and paid by the said Borthwick Smith and James Starley, henceforth trading in partnership under the style of Smith and Starley...'

See Also

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Sources of Information

• Smith, Starley and Co, by David Best [2]