History

Extract From Illustrated London - Published by the London Printing & Engraving Co in 1893.

Messrs. Barrow, Lane & Ballard, Dried Fruit Dealers, 30 Pudding Lane, Eastcheap, E.C. Sale-Rooms, Monument Square, E.C.

In connection with the large and important wholesale dried fruit trade carried on in the City of London, mention must be made of the notable firm of Messrs. Barrow, Lane & Ballard, whose transactions in the chief departments of this important branch of commerce are conducted on a very extensive scale. The firm in question was founded by Mr George Gray and Mr G.M. Barrow in 1864, and was continued by them alone until 1887. On the retirement of Mr Gray, Mr Samuel Barrow, Mr Samuel H. Lane and Mr G.H. Ballard were assumed partners. The two former gentlemen had for many years held responsible posts in connection with the house, and possessed every qualification of long experience and a minute knowledge of the trade in all its details.

This enterprising firm have developed an immense business, and must be reckoned among the leading concerns in the trade. They supply vast quantities of dried fruits and nuts of every variety to all the principal distributing houses throughout the United Kingdom, America, and the Continent, and the widespread nature of their connection will be understood when we say that they are well represented throughout.

At the above addresses Messrs. Barrow, Lane & Ballard occupy commanding and very commodious premises, comprising spacious offices, and fine sample and sale rooms, the latter having the very important advantage of excellent light. Buyers are thus enabled to inspect the goods under the most favourable condition, and to make their selections accordingly. This lane, in which an enormous amount of trade is daily carried in, is historic as having been the spot on which the Great Fire of London commenced its disastrous career in 1666. For facilitating business transactions with the northern counties, Messrs. Barrow, Lane & Ballard have a branch house at Liverpool. Their telegraphic addresses are "Pudding, London" and "Pudding, Liverpool".

The four principals take an active part in the administration of the business, which owes its prosperity and high standing to their united energies and sound commercial judgment. Personally, the partners are well known and highly esteemed in the City and provinces, and are regarded as four of the most capable and enterprising exponents of the great trade in which they are engaged. They stand high in the confidence of a most extensive and influential London and provincial connection, and have always adhered to the policy of making their customers' interests identical with their own.