Bostik

Bostik had its origins in the Boston Blacking Company, manufacturers of leather colourings and dyes, which was founded in Massachusetts, USA in 1889.
The Boston Blacking Company changed its name to Bostik in the 1960s, but the first product sold under that name - an adhesive for backing shoe insoles - was launched in 1931.
One of Bostik’s most popular products, the low pressure, reusable adhesive Blu Tack, was invented – by accident! - at the company’s factory in Leicester in 1969.

Boston Blacking Company

Bostik had its origins in the Boston Blacking Company, manufacturers of leather colourings and dyes, which was founded in Massachusetts, USA in 1889. In 1929 this became part of the US United Shoe Machinery, the parent company of the British United Shoe Machinery Company (BUSMC), which was established in Leicester in 1899 with works on Belgrave Road. Boston Blacking opened its first branch in Leicester in Belvoir Street in 1898, and later had factories in Brunswick Street and at Syston. In 1933 these were moved to the former Gimson Shoe Machinery factory in Ulverscroft Road.

Bostik

The Boston Blacking Company changed its name to Bostik in the 1960s, but the first product sold under that name - an adhesive for backing shoe insoles - was launched in 1931. Later adverts featured ‘the BOSTIK MAN’, whose technical expertise and practical experience was ‘yours for the asking’ for advice on adhesives, sealants and other products. The Leicester factory also provided social facilities for current and former employees, from sports clubs competing in local leagues, to annual dances, tea parties for retired workers, and the Quarter Century Club established in 1953 for those with 25 years’ service.

The invention of Blue Tack

One of Bostik’s most popular products, the low pressure, reusable adhesive Blu Tack, was invented – by accident! - at the company’s factory in Leicester in 1969. An experiment to develop a new bathroom sealant was not a success, but small pieces of the white substance it produced were used to stick up notices around the works. The company realised its potential, and started to manufacture it commercially. By 2015 it was producing around 1000 tonnes of Blu Tack per week. The blue colouring was added to avoid anyone mistaking it for chewing gum, and in 2008 a pink version was sold to raise awareness of breast cancer.

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The BUSM factory on Belgrave Road

Timeline

Early 20th Century Leicester

Gallery

Vintage advert for Bostik blue tack packet

Bostick advert from the Leicester Official Handbook 1954

Bostik sealing advert 1953

Boston Blacking Company letter from 1898

More modern Blue Tack packaging advertisement

Bostik early advertisement

Vintage Bostik global trucks advertising the company

Roman Leicester

(47- 500) A military fort was erected, attracting traders and a growing civilian community to Leicester (known as Ratae Corieltauvorum to the Romans). The town steadily grew throughout the reign of the Romans.

Medieval Leicester

(500 – 1500) The early years of this period was one of unrest with Saxon, Danes and Norman invaders having their influences over the town. Later, of course, came Richard III and the final battle of the Wars of the Roses was fought on Leicester’s doorstep.

Tudor & Stuart Leicester

(1500 – 1700) The wool trade flourished in Leicester with one local, a former mayor named William Wigston, making his fortune. During the English Civil War a bloody battle was fought as the forces of King Charles I laid siege to the town.

Georgian Leicester

(1700 – 1837) The knitting industry had really stared to take hold and Leicester was fast becoming the main centre of hosiery manufacture in Britain. This new prosperity was reflected throughout the town with broader, paved streets lined with elegant brick buildings and genteel residences.

Victorian Leicester

(1837 – 1901) The industrial revolution had a huge effect on Leicester resulting in the population growing from 40,000 to 212,000 during this period. Many of Leicester's most iconic buildings were erected during this time as wealthy Victorians made their mark on the town.

Edwardian Leicester

(1901 – 1910) Electric trams came to the streets of Leicester and increased literacy among the citizens led to many becoming politicised. The famous 1905 ‘March of the Unemployed to London’ left from Leicester market when 30,000 people came to witness the historic event.

Early 20th Century Leicester

(1910 – 1973) The diverse industrial base meant Leicester was able to cope with the economic challenges of the 1920s and 1930s. New light engineering businesses, such as typewriter and scientific instrument making, complemented the more traditional industries of hosiery and footwear manufacturing.

Modern Leicester

(1973 – present day) Industry was still thriving in the city during the 1970s, with the work opportunities attracting many immigrants from all over the world. While industry has declined in recent years, excellent transport links have made Leicester an attractive centre for many businesses. The City now has much to be proud of including its sporting achievements and the richness of its cultural heritage and diversity.

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Roman Leicester
Medieval Leicester
Tudor & Stuart Leicester
Georgian Leicester
Victorian Leicester
Edwardian Leicester
Early 20th Century Leicester
Modern Leicester

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A Working Town

Wimbledon Works

The Wimbledon Works factory was built for the men's clothing business Hart & Levy, which grew rapidly with mass cheap production towards the end of the 19th century.

West Bridge Station

Built in 1893, the station was added to one of the earliest railways in the world; the Leicester & Swannington Railway.

Abbey Pumping Station

This impressive Victorian building is a fitting tribute to the importance of the hygienic disposal of sewage. It is the only engine house in the world where you can still see four working examples of the Woolf compound rotative beam engine in one building.

Weighbridge Toll Collector’s House

Leicester´s hay market used to be held in the area where the Clock Tower now stands. In the 1860s it moved to Humberstone Gate due to congestion from horse-drawn traffic.

Leicester Market

Leicester Market has been a place of social and cultural importance since the 13th century when it became the centre for trade in the area. The first mention of it was in 1298 when a market larger than today’s took place ‘bounded by the city walls and the corn wall’, which was used by horse dealers to display the speed of their animals.

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