Local history columnist Lesley Dunlop reveals how Watford is linked to the Titanic thanks to a company that made revolving doors.
Van Kannel revolving door at Slater's Restaurant, Baltic House, 27 Leadenhall Street, London EC3. Image: Watford & Bushey Pictorial Record, 1915
Road and rail access, housing, leisure facilities and the proximity to London, as well as the countryside, were all in the town’s favour. His invention of a revolutionary type of door, patented in the U.S. in 1888, reportedly cost him $10,000 to develop. Referred to as a ‘revolving storm door’, it was noiseless, self-closing, minimised the loss of heat, reduced exterior noise and fumes and didn’t slam, even in windy weather. When required, it could be designed to automatically collapse in locations where there was ‘any chance of panic’, for example in the event of a fire.
In 1900 Henley-on-Thames born-carpenter and joiner Oliver Beck was brought on as London manager by the two brothers in charge: G.H. Johnson and I.L. Johnson, respectively Chairman and Secretary. By 1910, a branch office was set up in St Albans Road and Oliver Beck was relocated to Watford in the position of Manager of Joinery Works. By that time, Van Kannel revolving doors were in use in many leading hotels in London and the suburbs, as well as government offices, clubs, shops and mansions.
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