TRACE BACK THROUGH THE HISTORY OF GRANTHAMS
From humble beginnings dating back over 130 years, Granthams GT have continued to expand in the graphics industry and ever-evolving market.
1890 - GRANTHAM SIGN WRITERS OPENS IT'S DOORS
Originally a sign making business founded in 1890 in Blackpool by William Grantham. Grantham recognised a growing need for sign-writing services in the fast developing town of Blackpool.
At the beginning of the 20th century Blackpool was growing at a phenomenal rate. William Grantham recognised the need for a sign writing service and by the turn of the century his new venture had grown to become the principal sign-writing business in the area.
Early 80's - THE COMPUTER REVOLUTION
Our involvement with graphic art materials and sign manufacturing made it a logical move to venture into supplying computer cut materials. In the mid eighties a department was opened which concentrated solely on computer aided graphic systems for sign manufacturers and graphic artists.
1984 - Granthams are invited to attend the dealer launch of the new Commodore Amiga computer.
c.1986 - GRANTHAMS APPOINTED AUTHORISED DEALER FOR APPLE COMPUTER GRAPHIC SYSTEMS
Granthams appointed Authorised Dealer for Apple computer Graphic systems. First desk top publishing systems to be introduced to the Graphics business in Lancashire.
Early 90's - 'DATAGRAPHIX' BEGINS
Datagraphix was a service offering cut vinyl graphics to the public which ran alongside Granthams print bureau. This service offered vinyl lettering to the public which they would mainly fit themselves. Of course if a client wanted a van lettering up, Granthams were able to do this but the job would be passed to the sign manufacturing department.
c.1991 - GRANTHAMS RELOCATES SYSTEM SALES TO PRESTON
In 1991 Granthams decided to relocate all of its system sales and showroom facilities into it's Preston premises which occupied a prime corner site in Corporation Street. In this year Kirsty Reader joins the Granthams technology team in sales and support.
Also in this year, Granthams is appointed exclusive U.K. IMPORTER / distributor for FlexiSign software on behalf of Amiable Technologies of Philadelphia. Agreement negotiated and completed at Apple World Boston USA.
2001 - A WORLD FIRST? GRANTHAMS TECHNOLOGY & THE START OF SOLVENT PRINTING
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When you sit and think of the origin of that printer sat against the wall churning out graphic after graphic, who do you first think of? An American tech giant perhaps? What about an innovative Japanese manufacturer?
2022 - ENTWISTLE GROUP ACQUIRE PART OF GRANTHAMS
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At the beginning of May 2022, the Graphic Technology department in Preston joined the Entwistle Group who have a similar heritage, tracking back to 1899.
The formal trading name of the new company becomes Granthams GT Limited.
2025 - GRANTHAMS GT MOVES TO HARDY CLOSE
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In March 2025, Granthams GT Limited took a significant step forward with its relocation to a larger and more modern facility at 3 Hardy Close, Nelson Court Business Centre, Preston.
