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The brand name that is now associated with a vast amount of upscale accessories and menswear stems from a man by the name of Alfred Dunhill. Coming from a line of linen drapers, Dunhill took over the family business of horse harnesses at the age of 21 in 1893. During the time, transportation via horses was slowly being put in the background as the invention of the motorcar began to arise. With this as his inspiration, Alfred Dunhill began to invent accessories for the new invention. While doing so, he converted the family business of horse accessories to one of accessories for the car. From this, Dunhill Motorities was born. His unique eye for function and style sprung forth a wide array of accessories that both the driver and the automobile can benefit from. For the driver, he created leather jackets, helmets and his most notable invention, the Bobby Finder Goggles. His innovative goggles were inspired by his run-in with a policeman when he was pulled over for speeding in 1903. After being fined 1 pound for traveling at 22 ½ miles per hour, Dunhill came up with the idea for these goggles that would supposedly spot a “bobby” (English slang for policeman) half a mile away before they caught you. This stylish eyewear immediately became popular to dodge policeman and spot speed traps. Dunhill also dressed cars with dashboard clocks, trunks, and lamps. Another milestone in his inventive career was his development of the rear view mirror. Initially, these products remained exclusive to a prestigious ladies and gentlemen, but soon branched out.
Dunhill’s innovative accessories for the new motorcar and drivers served as a launch pad for more accessories that included sports gear and casual recreation. In 1895, Dunhill was credited with a patent for his innovative fishing rods. In addition to this, he developed more products of leisure such as golfing equipment and cricket gear. Even so, he did not stray away from his fascination with car accessories. To add even more patents on his list, Dunhill created a device called the “windshield pipe” that aided drivers during harsh weather condition. Undoubtedly, this device is a variation on today’s windshield wiper.
In 1906, the popular sophistication of pipe smoking prompted Dunhill to open his first tobacco shop in London. With the help of his renowned name, the pipe store located on London’s Duke Street gained popularity for its quality pipes, fine cigars and custom made tobacco concoctions. His tobacco products did not only gain recognition for the upscale common man, but with many dignified leaders such as Winston Churchill.
With his name and stores being spread all around London, Dunhill soon made his way to the United States via New York City. The new office opened on 5th Avenue and 42nd Street in order to fulfill his American fan base. Soon after, the continental European store opened in Paris. During this time, began to expand his merchandise with table sets, Persian rugs, cutlery, onyx frames and exquisite clocks. Along with these products, Dunhill introduced the world with another milestone accessory dubbed as the “unique lighter”. The invention provided a more convenient, pocket-sized, one-handed method to ignite his fine tobacco products.
In the 1930’s, Mary Dunhill presented the fragrance Escape, which was followed up by the equally popular, Dunhill for men. The fragrances were also complimented by the presentation of the signature Dunhill Faceted Wristwatch. This just added to the veritable potpourri of products that included fine leather goods, luggage, jewelry and sleek writing utensils.
In the mid-1900’s, Dunhill’s growth did not stop. He began to open more U.S. shops in Beverly Hills, Chicago and San Francisco. In the 1960’s, he ventured into the Far East and opened stores in Hong Kong and Tokyo. By the end of the 20th century, Dunhill’s product line had grown to almost 4,000 items and continues to grow. To this day, stylish inventor Alfred Dunhill, maintains a name of fine products that provide the utmost classicism for the contemporary man.
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