We think of the Midlands, and especially Birmingham and Coventry, as the hub of pioneer cycle and later motorcycle development and manufacture. There were many exceptions, including Canadian-born Harry Herbert Collier (1859-1925*), who established a part-time cycle making business at Plumstead, South East London in 1878 and was soon to employ the trade name ‘Matchless,’ though seemingly its usage wasn’t registered at this time, as another London cycle trade company, the Bicycle and Tricycle Company of East London, also used the name Matchless. Later in the 1880s, Singer acquired this trade name and manufacturing rights.
Expanding, Collier went into partnership with commercial steam laundry equipment maker John Watson, forming ‘Watson and Collier, cycle makers.’ Henry wanted to continue using the trade name ‘Matchless’ but Watson hesitated, until he discovered Singer had lapsed its right to the name. Watson and Collier registered rights to Matchless at the Patents Office in July 1892. Watson left the partnership to concentrate on laundry, probably on amicable terms, as Mr Collier retained the trading name Watson and Collier.
Carrying out engineering work for his former employers (Royal Arsenal, Woolwich) and manufacturing cycles enabled further expansion, a case of perfect timings with cycling booming in the 1890s. Such was Henry’s success, he bought premises at Herbert Road, Plumstead, and a nearby family home.
Eldest son Henry Albert (aka Harry, 1884-1944) joined the business in 1899 and soon after Charles Richard (Charlie, 1885-1954). Both were enthusiastic sporting cyclists and keen to help with their father’s business while still at school. In c1899, delighted with Harry and Charlie’s
