This is a unique collection of drawings from the 1896 catalogue of E. S. Annison, Coach Builder, of Hull, which has been loaned to me by Mr. Chris. Ketchell of the Hull College Local History Unit, to whom I offer my sincere thanks.

In the title page there is an open letter to their customers which states:

“Dear Sir or Madam,

In forwarding my catalogue of CARRIAGES OF LATEST DESIGN, I have pleasure in informing you that fifty years ago this business was founded by my predecessor in a small way.  Steadily it has grown until it has become by far the largest of its kind in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

My EXTENSIVE WORKS having recently been remodelled, are IN LINE WITH PRESENT=DAY REQUIREMENTS.  They are replete with modern machinery, including a complete plant for the manufacture of RUBBER=TYRED WHEELS.

EVERY new CARRIAGE supplied by me is BUILT THROUGHOUT ON THE PREMISES, of the best materials procurable, by skilled workmen, under my own supervision, and FINISHED IN BEST POSSIBLE MANNER, unsurpassed by any house in the trade.

MANY IMPORTANT IMPROVEMENTS have been recently originated or adopted by me, and are supplied with every carriage sent out.  My ‘Perfect’ forecarriage is what its name implies……….

E. S. Annison
Hull and Eastern Counties Carriage Works & Repository
Established 1846

With which is amalgamated the business of H. Bridge’s East Yorkshire Carriage Works (late Hustwick & Dean), established 1782.

33 and 34, Witham, HULL.”

The premises of Annison’s were located in a variety of sites within the Witham area of Hull, which is to say, east of the River Hull, across the North Bridge.  The firm was extensive, producing domestic and commercial vehicles to a very high standard.  For further information regarding this family firm, contact the Local History Unit, Hull College, via the ‘Links’ page.

The included images herein are unique to Hull, this kind of documentary material seldom survives.  They provide a special insight into those vehicles which were to be amongst the last of their era, within a few years, the motor vehicle would supersede this elegant mode of transport.  It sometimes amazes that this business, in the guise of Hustwick & Dean, began trading in the reign of king George III, and survived and prospered until the latter years of queen Victoria’s, which were, it is acknowledged, the ‘Golden age’ of horse drawn carriage transport.