Obituary

We were very sad to hear recently of the death of Mr. Stan Scarlet at the age of 90. Mr. Scarlet joined J. Hewit & Sons, as it then was, in 1932 as the manager of the new London warehouse in Jewin Street. In December 1940, when bombing destroyed 46, Jewin Street, the office was transferred to Mr Scarlet's home in Bromley, Kent, and the business continued from there until new premises were rented in Clerkenwell 4 months later. Over the years Mr. Scarlet's influence within the company grew, and he became firstly the overall sales manager, and finally in 1969 the sales director for the Company, travelling widely throughout the world. Mr Scarlet retired from active duties in 1975, and as a director in 1982, although he kept in regular contact with us right up until his death. Mr. Scarlet was well known and respected within the leather industry, and we hope that all who knew him will join with us in passing on their condolences to his family.

Bowden & Sons

We are delighted to announce that we have purchased the World rights to Manufacture, market and sell Bowdens Book Headbands.

For many years, J. Hewit and Sons Ltd. have been successfully distributing a range of the Bowden Book Headbands, complimenting the extensive range of fine bookbinding leathers we manufacture and sell and other bookbinding materials, tools, sundries and equipment we distribute.

Several months ago June and Brian Orley, the owners of Bowden & Son contacted us, and after informing us that they were planning to retire, asked us whether we would be interested in purchasing their Company. We were of course delighted and honoured by their offer. For us, the merging of the two companies made absolute sense. Both companies historically, have shared the philosophy of producing the very best products in their field. Bowden and Son since 1855 have been manufacturing the finest quality book headbands available anywhere in the World and we at J. Hewit & Sons Ltd. have a 150 year reputation World-wide of producing the very finest bookbinding leathers from our Edinburgh Tannery.

From the 5th of January 1999, the production and selling operation of Bowden Book Headbands moved from Essex to our tannery in Edinburgh. Our Intention is to continue offering our customers the excellent quality of product and customer service that they had become accustomed to in their past dealings with Bowdens.

Sale

After the terrific success of last years sale, we will be holding another selling event this coming April for one month. Throughout the year, due to special orders or leather finishing trials that the company undertakes, we acquired a quantity of skins which are non-standard in shade or finish. This leather is often of excellent quality. We will be offering these skins for sale at heavily discounted rates as from the 6th April.