About Us

The continued Harris commitment

We’re here with expert advice and imaginative ideas too, as we inspire our customers to take on exciting new projects around their homes.

So, join us on a tour of our unique heritage from 1928 to the present day. Take a look below to find out what’s made Harris such a trusted and reputable company.

By Royal Appointment

In 1961, Harris was awarded the Royal Warrant by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as the preferred manufacturer of decorating tools, paint brushes and rollers to the Royal Sandringham Estate. Harris still holds the Royal Warrant to this very day, demonstrating a level of product excellence suitable for a Royal household.

We’re proud to regularly receive industry awards and commendations covering everything from product innovation through to complete service provision.

Harris decorating products have long been associated with quality, performance and innovation.

We have thousands of products to suit all global markets and all customers benefit from an unrivalled dual source of supply. This consists of a UK manufacturing base and head office with a Wholly Owned Foreign Enterprise (WOFE) in China. Customers around the world can take advantage of our fantastic quality and innovation coupled with low cost prices.

We also put as much effort into marketing the benefits of our products as we do in developing them. In today’s increasingly price driven marketplace, the Harris brand is proving more important than ever in providing the means to differentiate and succeed in a global market place.

To find out more about how Harris can help you, please get in touch with us using our contact form.

1928

At just 23 years old, Leslie G Harris founded The Midland Trading Company and, with a 13-strong team of staff, began manufacturing paint brushes from his small premises in Birmingham.

1933

Having continued to thrive throughout the great depression, Leslie renamed his business LG Harris & Co. Ltd​

1937​

Keen to manufacture his own handles and ferrule, Leslie secured new premises in the leafy suburb of Stoke Prior, 18 miles south-west of Birmingham.​

1950s

Harris launched its first national advertising campaign with a Duke and Duchess introducing the theme ‘Harris-tocracy’ with the message: ‘The paint brush with the name to its handle’.​

1959

Following completion of the new buildings, the company began operating from the Hanbury Road site where it still is today​.

1961

Harris was awarded the Royal Warrant for the supply of painting and decorating brushes to the Sandringham Estate and Windsor Castle.  The prestigious award cemented our reputation for exceptional products – and we are proud to still hold the Royal Warrant today.​

1974

Harris continued to grow and by now was fit to burst! A new 100,000sq ft warehouse and despatch department was built to accommodate our growing team of staff and expanding range of products.

1988​

Harris recognised a gap in the market for a product that combined ‘quality with economy’.  So, Taskmasters was developed – which proved to be a firm favourite and hugely popular in all markets. ​

1993​

That ‘bristle loss problem’ just wasn’t going away, so Harris developed and patented the NoLoss brand.  Guaranteed against bristle loss, the range became iconic for Harris.​

2003​

To ensure we could manufacture a good quality paint brush in China, Harris bought a new manufacturing facility and fitted it out with state-of-the-art machinery.  It was the start of an exciting new venture in the Far East.​

2004​

After extensive design, development and testing, Harris entered the professional market for the first time with the launch of T-class – a concise range of industry –leading product for expert decorators and builders.

2007

The official opening of Harris China located an hour and a half from the airport and deep seaport of Yantian.

2011​

Harris launched ID Gel Oval, a brand-new innovative range for decorators who demand a more comfortable painting experience and precise cutting-in control.

2013

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​With a shiny new brand identity, T-Class was relaunched with additional products for professional decorators all over the world.​

2015​

Following an extensive consumer research project, Harris was recognised as the UK’s No. 1 paint brush and roller brand, with 9 out of 10 customers saying that they would recommend Harris to a friend​.

2016​

Orkla House Care, a leading Nordic supplier of branded consumer goods and concept solutions, purchased L.G. Harris.  This is the beginning of an exciting new journey for Harris, its customers and of course, its valued team of staff​.

2020​

An exciting, refreshing relaunch for the Harris brand.  Truly focusing on the needs of the end user, understanding their decorating journey and being there every step of the way.​