Having trained as an apprentice craftsman within his father’s equestrian saddlery and harness making business in 1893 the 21 year old Alfred Dunhill inherited the enterprise. It is said of the young Alfred that he had a passion for good craftsmanship, it became something of a religion to him.

Alfred immediately set about making changes, quick to take up the challenge he soon transformed his father’s original business into a supplier of accessories for the new age of the motor car.

His first experiments were typical of his entrepreneurial spirit and included leather covers for cars, a motor-car discount company, an employment agency for motor mechanics as well as publishing a motoring magazine called Motor Mart.

He soon refined the business to manufacture “everything but the motor”, supplying exquisite leather and metal accessories as well as driving leisure apparel and protective clothing. Dunhill’s Motorities was born.

Alfred’s modern and pioneering spirit saw him develop a global business, supplying both customers directly, as well as prestigious manufacturers such as Rolls Royce, with highly crafted and highly innovative mens clothing, leather and accessories.

Alfred was a futurist; with a unique ability to stay ahead of the curve, developing a global presence through a commitment to creativity and service, carefully crafting products to represent the very best they could be and ensuring the environment and service sides of the business matched the level of the offer.

A futurist and an artisan – a unique and brilliant combination.