Fowler Drummond & Waddell

In 1936 cabinetmakers Fowler & Son partnered with Drummond to create Fowler, Son, and Drummond. The firm began manufacturing furniture in a modest factory in Hastings. Just over three years later Mr. Waddell joined the partnership and in 1941 the firm was renamed Fowler Drummond and Waddell (FDW). The 1940s were difficult years with war restrictions but by the mid 1950s FDW had a staff of over 50 and was selling furniture to stores throughout New Zealand.

In 1957 a large fire swept through the FDW furniture factory destroying most of the central buildings. The damage was estimated at £36,000 and many people thought that the firm would not recover. Fortunately FDW rebounded from the major setback and used the factory rebuild to review production methods and invest in the latest machinery. By the mid 1960s FDW boasted to have the widest range of both occasional and dining furniture available in New Zealand and was one of the most productive factories.

Fowler Drummond and Waddell's designs were often defined by simple linear forms but were made to a high standard with a contemporary focus that appealed to a growing middle class. Early FDW furniture is often distinguished by a preference for solid timber rather than veneer and the company favoured oak construction. By the 1960 there was a switch to mahogany in keeping with current trends.