A E Perry: A Brighton Billiard Story
A E Perry holds an important place in the British billiard table industry within the lively city of Brighton.
The story begins with Arthur Edmund Perry (1880-1952), the founder of this long-standing business. Born in London, Perry made the move to Brighton at the age of 19, where he embarked on his career in the billiard trade. He started his journey by working for Charles Poundsbery, a local billiard table manufacturer. In this role, he honed his skills as a billiard table maker, servicing the tables of various clubs and institutes along the scenic South coast.
By 1913, Arthur Edmund Perry was ready to strike out on his own, establishing his own business. He began by offering essential repair and maintenance services for billiard tables directly from his family home on St Nicholas Road, Brighton.
A pivotal moment for the company arrived in 1932 when Arthur’s eldest son, Arthur William Perry (1907-1999), formally joined the business. This marked an evolutionary step for the company, which began trading under the new name of “A. E. Perry & Son”. During this period of growth, the company also diversified its offerings beyond billiard services. Notably, Arthur Junior registered a patent for a new-style electric light shade, which they subsequently manufactured and supplied. For their core billiard renovation services, they were now supplying their “Reliance Improved Cushions”.
Following the Second World War, in 1946, the business relocated to Howard Terrace, Brighton and began to use metal plates carrying this new address to identify their work.
The founder, Arthur Edmund Perry Senior passed away in 1952 and the business continued seamlessly under the leadership of his son, Arthur William Perry Junior., who maintained the same trading style for many more years.
The independent journey of A E Perry eventually concluded in 1977, when Arthur William Perry Junior, at the age of 70, sold his interests to John Bennett & Co Ltd (London). This acquisition brought an end to the business operating under the venerable A E Perry name.
John A Smith
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