While often confused with the older, larger firm W. Bartleet & Sons, Harrison & Bartleet was a distinct, high-prestige partnership that produced some of the finest handmade hooks of the Victorian era.
1. Origins: The Richard Harrison Era (1840s – 1876)
The company’s roots lie not with a Bartleet, but with Richard Harrison.
- Founding: Richard Harrison established himself in the Redditch area—the global capital of needle and hook manufacturing—around the 1840s.
- Early Growth: Originally listed as a needle manufacturer (a trade that shared technology with hook making), Harrison expanded into fish hooks as the sport of angling exploded in popularity.
- Metropolitan Works: By 1865, the firm was operating out of the Metropolitan Works in Redditch. It was known then as Richard Harrison & Co. and had already established a reputation for high-quality, hand-forged steel.
2. The Golden Era: R. Harrison, Bartleet & Co. (1876 – 1902)
The firm transformed around 1876 when Arthur Greame Bartleet joined the company as a partner.
- The Partnership: The company was renamed R. Harrison, Bartleet & Co. It is important to note that Arthur was from the famous Bartleet manufacturing family but was distinct from the main W. Bartleet & Sons dynasty. This partnership combined Harrison’s technical foundation with the prestige of the Bartleet name.
- Peak Reputation: This period (1880s–1890s) was the company’s zenith. They were a “High Reliability” manufacturer before the term existed, famous for:
- Japanning: A superior black lacquer finish that prevented rust.
- Temper: Their hooks were prized for not being too brittle (snapping) or too soft (straightening out)—a massive problem with lesser hooks of the time.
- Exhibitions: They won silver medals at major industrial exhibitions, including Paris (1867) and Berlin (1873), cementing their status as a global exporter.
3. The End of Independence (1902 – 1903)
The turn of the century marked the end of the family-owned model for most Redditch hook makers due to intense competition and the need for industrial consolidation.
- Death of the Founders: Richard Harrison died in 1880, leaving Arthur G. Bartleet in charge. When Arthur died in 1901, his sons (Arthur Derrington and Bryan Douglas) took over but quickly looked to sell.
- Sale to Milward: In 1902, the sons sold the business to Henry Milward & Sons, a giant in the industry.
- Consolidation: Ironically, the rival firm W. Bartleet & Sons was also acquired by Milward just one year later in 1903. This brought almost all “Bartleet” branded hooks under the Milward umbrella.
4. The “Zombie” Brand Years (1903 – Mid-20th Century)
After the acquisition, the factory (Metropolitan Works) was eventually closed, but the name did not disappear immediately.
- Brand Survival: Milward continued to use the “Harrison & Bartleet” and “Harrison” names on packaging for decades. They understood that anglers were loyal to the brand’s specific “bend” (shape) and temper.
- Packaging: You can still find vintage hook packets from the 1910s and 20s marked “Harrison’s” or “Harrison & Bartleet,” even though they were being manufactured by Milward’s massive industrial machine.
5. The Present: Legacy & Collectibility
Today, Harrison & Bartleet no longer exists as an active company.
The “Bartleet” Bend: The name survives in the terminology of fly tying. Modern boutique hook makers (like Partridge of Redditch or artisan makers) often reference the “Traditional Bartleet” style—a flowing, continuous curve that is considered one of the most beautiful shapes for classic salmon flies.
Physical Remnants: The Metropolitan Works factory in Redditch was demolished (mostly in the 1970s) during urban redevelopment.
Collector Status: Original Harrison & Bartleet hooks—specifically those in original black-lacquered wrappers or “blind” (eyeless) salmon hooks—are highly coveted by collectors and classic fly dressers.
Harrison & Bartleet’s Hook Reference
- Harrison & Bartleet’s – Celebrated Pennell Limerick Hooks
- Harrison Bartleet’s – 3025 Sproat
- Harrison Bartleet’s – 3051 Sproat
Summary Timeline
| Era | Company Name | Status |
| 1840s–1875 | Richard Harrison & Co. | Independent founder. Operating at Metropolitan Works. |
| 1876–1901 | R. Harrison, Bartleet & Co. | Peak Era. Partnership formed. Global exports and awards. |
| 1902 | Acquired by Milward | Sold to Henry Milward & Sons. Factory operations eventually merged. |
| 1903–1950s | Brand Only | Used as a sub-brand by Milward for specific markets. |
| Present | Defunct / Historical | A “Grail” brand for vintage fly tyers; no active production. |