This collection includes a selection of items relating to the Sydney business, Nock & Kirby.
Thomas Nock and Herbert Kirby established Nock & Kirby in 1894. They took over the Circular Quay based ironmongery firm Felton & Nock.
Nock & Kirby expanded their business premises at 194 George Street. In November 1906 became a limited liability company. In 1918 they built a new premises on the George Street North site, which included a roof-garden and dining hall. 'The store with everything' sold pots, pans, sewing machines, clothing, building requisites, even go-karts.
Nock's eldest son Harold, managing director, died in 1925, and his youngest son (Sir) Norman, the firm's London representative, took over. In October 1933, Nock & Kirby opened a new store between Wynyard and Town Hall, specializing in hardware.
The firm was listed on the stock exchange in 1954-55 and continued to expand. Burns Philp acquired the stores in 1983 and changed them to BBC Hardware.
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References
Australian Dictionary of Biography https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/nock-thomas-7856
