George Orton, Sons & Spooner Ltd (1875 - 1977)
Dates
- Existence: 1875 - 1977
- Usage: 1925 - 1977
Biography
Orton, Sons and Spooner Ltd., were an engineering company, which produced some of the most sophisticated and sought after rides, wagons and show fronts in the British fairgrounds at the turn of the nineteenth century. The company gained an unrivalled reputation, applying industrial and artistic design to produce some of the most spectacular rides in the sector through a combination of innovative engineering, entrepreneurship and decorative finishes applied by some of the best artists and carvers in the trade.
Orton and Spooner elevated ride manufacturing from its humble man and animal powered beginnings in the pre-industrial revolution to sensorial experiences of beauty, speed, discovery and thrill, matching the social aspirations of an entire nation.
George Orton first stablished the Lion Carriage Works in 1875, making Gipsy and other transportation wagons. It wasn't until 1883 that Orton started trading with fairground showmen by building highly decorative living wagons, which exteriors worked as showfonts. This diversification signified the company’s transition from the transport industry to the entertainment industry.
Charles Spooner was a skilled woodcarver mainly supplying the thriving Burton-on-Trent brewing industry with drays and handcarts. Spooner set up his own business in 1892. His impressive finesse as a woodcarver brought him to the attention of George Orton in 1894. Initially, Orton sub-contracted Spooner to supply carvings for his living wagons and showfronts. Their skills were so complementary that the business became dependant on each other and Orton and Spooner entered into a long partnership, which resulted in the amalgamation of their companies in 1925.
The manufacturing of living wagons soon evolved into lavish showfronts and ambitious rides that dominated the market, especially after the company’s main competitor, Fredrick Savage of King’s Lynn, went into liquidation in 1910.
The company was requisitioned by the government during both world wars; during WWI to manufacture portable aircraft hangers and during WWII to build military vehicles.
Orton and Spooner managed to resume business in the supply of the entertainment sector after both wars, but started winding down the manufacturing of fairground equipment after WWII as the company experienced the effects of fundamental changes on labour conditions and market demand.
From the end of WWII until 1953 they diversified into the manufacturing of light engineering products to offset the unpredictability of the entertainment sector. Orton, Sons and Spooner Ltd., finally stopped trading in fairground equipment in 1954 to specialise exclusively in the manufacturing of mechanical handling equipment until 1977 when the company finally closed.
Found in 806 Collections and/or Records:
Layout of Track for Ghost Train Blueprint, c1930 - 1939
Blueprint showing the layout track for the ghost train at The Royal Palm Court Weymouth by Messrs Orton, Sons & Spooner Ltd. Scale 1/4". Drawing X364.
Lead Car Floor Board Blueprint, 9 September 1935
Blueprint showing section of car floor board for rocket speedway by Norman Bartlett N Tonawanda N.Y. scale 3" .
Lead Car Passanger Seat Frame Blueprint, 12 September 1935
Blueprint showing sections of a car seat for a rocket speedway by Norman Bartlett N Tonawanda N.Y. scale 3".
List of Exhibits, 1975
List of Frederick Savage’s exhibits in King’s Lynn Festival.
Living Wagon Elevation, c1920 - 1939
Side elevation of living wagon, showing external decorations and dimensions, contains written details of specifications on top left hand side.
Living Wagon Elevation, c1875 - 1910
Front and back exterior elevation of No.216 Pullman living wagon, scale 1 and 1/2".
Living Wagon Elevation, c1890 - 1920
Side elevation and plan of Pullman carriage living wagon on Well truck, showing location of lighting, bedroom, storage and other areas, scale 1". Stamed G. Orton & Sons.
Living Wagon Elevation, c1875 - 1899
Front, side elevation and floor plan of living wagon, showing exterior design and interior distribution of bedrooms and storage. Scale 3/4".
Living Wagon Elevation, c1875 - 1899
Front and back exterior elevation of No.216 Pullman living wagon, scale 1 and 1/2" .
Living Wagon Elevation
Side elevation of living wagon, scale 1" to 1Ft.
Living Wagon Plan, c1875 - 1899
Plan for No.216 Pullman living wagon showing distribution of rooms and storage.
Living Wagon Plan, c1875 - 1910
Plan for No.216 Pullman living wagon showing distribution of rooms and storage and front elevation of furniture. Scale 1".
Living Wagon Plan, c1875 - 1899
Plan for No.209 Pullman living wagon, showing distribution of bedrooms and storage units.
Living Wagon Plan, c1875 - 1899
Plan for living wagon with Pullman interior showing the placement of the bedroom and storage areas, scale 1".
Living Wagon Plan and Elevations, c1875 - 1899
Interior and exterior elevations and floor plan for No.3 Pullman car living wagon, showing exterior detail and interior distribution of rooms and storage. Scale 1". Signed G. Orton & Sons, Lion Carriage Works, Burton.
Loading Platform Blueprint, 6 July 1928
Blueprint showing loading ramps and platforms for Whirlwind Racer with table of dimensions.
Locomotive Boiler Elevation, 11 October 1887
Side elevation of arrangement of 2 and 1/2 H.P. locomotive boiler for fixing on truck. Scale 1 and 1/2" to 1 Ft. Stamped Robey & Co. Engineers, Lincoln.
Lord Burton Statue Drawing, c1900 - 1929
Drawing for a statue of a man in uniform and cape on a pedestal, scale 3" to 1Ft. Pencil on tracing paper.
Machine Sections, 5 February 1915
Details of two sections of fairground machine with notes by Orton, Sons & Spooner.
Machine Specifications, 5 July 1911
Roller-Skating Machines specifications and accompanying letter from F.W. Dickinson, Electrical Engineer and Motor Car Dealer to Mr Martin. 4p.p.