History of the factory
As the name implies, Partridge of Redditch is based
in Mount Pleasant, Redditch, in central England. Both the town
and the district have been renowned for its specialized metal work
throughout many generations, needle making and hook making in particular.
It is not easy to establish when this started, but according to
one likely theory it started with the existence of a large monastery
at Redditch. The monks were reputed to have been skilled artisans,
and when Henry VIII dissolved the brotherhood the monks were taken
in by leading Catholic families in the area, who obviously put
their skills to use. From there processing of steel and specialised
metal work were developed and refined.
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From the needlework days |
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In the early days needle making and hook making went hand in hand;
the techniques developed for making needles could be applied in making
hooks as well. Steel wire was drawn in Birmingham and then sent out
to needle and hook producers in adjacent towns such as Studley, Alcester,
Henley-in Arden and Redditch. In the middle of the nineteenth century
Redditch seemed to establish itself as the main hook-producing centre.
In the second half of the nineteenth century, the transition from
pure handwork to industrial production made Redditch famous for excellent
fish hooks throughout the world. In this period they actually dominated
the world market.
The early history of Partridge is somewhat obscure. We know that
it was started on the basis of existing hook manufacturing shortly
after the turn of this century, but no one knows the exact year
any longer. What we do know, however, is that it has been the only
British sport hook manufacturer who has been able to survive and
create a name for itself in the twentieth century. Partridge of
Redditch bears its name from the founder Albert Partridge. He left
the firm to his son Ted, who sold it to Alan Bramley in 1970 when
none of his children were interested in taking over the company.
Alan Bramley further developed the company, and in the 1970s
he extended the production to include exclusive split cane rods
as well as continuing to develop and improve hook production. Thanks
to him Partridge of Redditch has become an internationally acclaimed
fish hook brand.
The last phase of the history of Partridge of Redditch was initiated
in 1996. Then the Norwegian hook manufacturer O. Mustad &
Son bought Partridge of Redditch from Alan Bramley. As far as Mustad
is concerned, one might say that the circle had been closed. When
O. Mustad & Son started their production of fish hooks in the
1870s, they soon realised that the hooks coming out of their machines
were not fit to fish with. They were too soft and rusted after
a day in water. The founder, Hans Mustad, then summoned specialists
from Redditch, England, to help him solve the problems. They were
specialists in tempering, design and fly-tying. Partly thanks to
Redditch expertise, Mustad is today the leading manufacturer of
fish hooks in the world.

Bryan still uses the old method of
bending hooks |
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Mustad clearly realises and appreciates the traditions and quality
of the Partridge-of-Redditch brand and Partridge will continue to
have its own dealers and distribution, and we will continue to market
Partridge of Redditch products separately from the Mustad hooks.
Partridge of Redditch looks forward to continue its co-operation
with fly-fishers and sport fishermen all over the world and keep
its obligations to the continuously increasing number of fans who,
throughout several generations, have been enchanted by the magic
of our Finest Handmade Fish Hooks.
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