Menu Fattorini Onwards & Upwards 1826 About Him Antonio Fattorini After Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo, Britain encouraged the immigration of young Swiss, Italians, and other Europeans, with specialist skills Antonio Fattorini, came to the rapidly industrialising North of England shortly after 1815 from Bellagio which was then part of Switzerland By 1826 Antonio was in business by selling watches and jewellery in Leeds market. In 1831, he moved to Bradford to open his first ‘fixed shop’ in the narrow and busy thoroughfare at the intersection of Cheapside and Kirkgate eventually employing all his sons. During those early years he probably travelled with his wares to other markets and local fairs, such that two of his sons, Anthony and Innocent (aged 18) opened up shops and settled in Harrogate and Skipton respectively. His other two sons Edward and John remained in the business in Bradford known as Fattorini & Sons One of the earlier steps of Antonio as recorded in the Leeds Commercial Directory .. 1826-Antonio Fattorini Incidental History Innocent Fattorini’s developed a new method of selling goods in Skipton (20 week purchasing clubs). The rule of these clubs made it possible for individuals to buy unaffordable goods, and latterly services, by regular instalments over a period of time. Together with Fattorini & Sons (his cousins) they developed their “catalogue” businesses which grew rapidly in the 1920s. Two Fattorini companies Empire Stores plc and Grattan plc (previously known as Grattan Warehouses Ltd, who employed over 3500 people in their day) were listed on the London stock exchange. Related Pages 2019 The coin toss 2018 Cockerel 2018 IAAF Birmingham 2017 Eco? 2014 Royal Visit 2012 Olympics 2011 Badge in space 2008 Royal Warrant 2002 Project Diamond 1990 Yorkshire Day 1980 Computers OMG 1980 Arabian delight 1977 Diary 21st Nov 1975 Chancery 1974 First telex 1972 Tutankhamun 1964 New badge born 1941 Blitz 1939 Time capsule 1938 Deportment 1937 Churchill 1930 Skipton Shop V3 1927 Trafalgar Works 1927 Centenary 1915 Season's greetings 1912 Wake Up! 1895 Skipton Shop V2 1868 Skipton Shop V1 1826 Antonio 2021 Thomas Fattorini Ltd. LONDON - MANCHESTER - BIRMINGHAM . UK Registered in England No. 153351. Reg. Office: Skipton Castle, Skipton, N. Yorkshire, England BD23 1AW.