Messers Fattorini and Sons

Messers Fattorini is a jewellery business established by a family of Italian immigrants who arrived in the British city of Leeds, in Yorkshire, England in the early 19th century. Antonio Fattorini opened a shop in Harrogate to take advantage of seasonal trade in Harrogate in 1831, this business is today owned and run by descendants of the founders. In the 1850s he opened a shop in Bradford with two of his sons.

Trophy work

They made great inroads into the local and then national market for sports trophies and medals. They made such famous trophies as the FA Cup and the Rugby League Challenge Cup - both are still in use to this day. Fattorini and Sons also marketed sewing machines manufactured by Varley.

Manningham Rugby Club

The family became heavily involved with Manningham Rugby Club. Indeed, Tony Fattorini represented Manningham when the club became part of the breakaway from Rugby Union in 1895 which resulted in the birth of what we know today as the Rugby League. Manningham were the new games first champions in 1896. After a period of decline Manningham changed games and became the football club Bradford City in 1903. Once again the Fattorini's were at the forefront of the switch to football.

Today

The Fattorini business is still alive and well. However, 'Fattorini and sons' is now based in Birmingham. The Harrogate jewellery shop is owned and run by the Tindall's, descendants via the female line. The Bradford shop is now owned by the national jewellers Goldsmiths.