Our History & Heritage

Over 150 Years of Glass, Innovation and British Craftsmanship

Where It All Began

In 1875, at 6 Shoreditch High Street in East London, a new chapter in British industry quietly began. Samuel Nicholls, a skilled glass cutter, started crafting windows and glass products for Shoreditch’s thriving furniture trade. What began as a small local business would grow into one of the UK's longest-established names in glass and construction supplies.

The Victorian era was a time of remarkable change. Railways connected cities, industries expanded, and London became the largest and most influential city in the world. Against this backdrop, Nicholls & Clarke embraced the opportunities of a rapidly modernising Britain, helping to supply the materials that shaped towns, cities and businesses across the South East.

Building a Reputation Across Generations

As demand for quality glass grew, so did the reputation of Nicholls & Clarke. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the company supplied glass for a wide range of projects, from the furniture-making workshops that defined early Shoreditch to significant construction developments across the country.

One of the company's most remarkable achievements came during the 1870s when glass produced in Shoreditch was shipped by wooden vessels to support the Argentine Railway Project, demonstrating the reach and ambition of the business even in its earliest years.

Over the decades, N&C glass products would contribute to some of the UK's most recognised landmarks and restoration projects, including the construction of Selfridges on Oxford Circus and the post-war restoration of St Paul's Cathedral.

Leading the Industry

The influence of Nicholls & Clarke extended beyond manufacturing and supply. In 1907, Samuel Nicholls became the first Chairman of the Plate Glass Merchants Association, an organisation that continues today as the Glass & Glazing Federation.

This commitment to leadership, quality and innovation helped establish N&C as a trusted partner for builders, architects and tradespeople throughout the UK.

From Horse and Cart to Modern Manufacturing

As Britain evolved, so did the way Nicholls & Clarke operated. In the early twentieth century, motor lorries began joining the delivery fleet, although horse-drawn carts remained an important part of the business until 1947. Deliveries often involved journeys lasting several days, with glass transported carefully across the South East to meet growing demand.

The company continued to expand its capabilities throughout the twentieth century. The original Shoreditch site later relocated to Stratford in 1982, where the product range grew to include glass cut-to-size services and fire-resistant glass solutions. Following further development and the regeneration associated with the 2012 London Olympics, the business moved to its current location in the London Docklands area.

Expanding for the Future

A major milestone came in 1993 with the acquisition of a sealed unit manufacturing business in Hampshire. The operation quickly flourished, and after four years of successful growth, it moved to its current home in Fareham, where it continues to serve customers today.

This expansion strengthened N&C's position within the glass industry, allowing the company to offer an even broader range of products while maintaining the high standards that had defined the business for more than a century.

A Legacy That Continues

Today, more than 150 years after Samuel Nicholls first opened his workshop in Shoreditch, Nicholls & Clarke remains committed to the same principles that built its reputation: quality, reliability, innovation and service.

From supplying glass for Victorian industries and internationally recognised projects to manufacturing modern sealed units and specialist glass products, N&C has continually adapted to meet the changing needs of the British trade. While much has changed since 1875, the company's dedication to craftsmanship and customer service remains at the heart of everything it does.

The story of Nicholls & Clarke is not simply a history of glass manufacturing - it's a story of resilience, innovation and a continuing commitment to supporting the industries that help build Britain.