Throughout its history the Helmsman brand has become synonymous with quality, reliability and value for money.
The 'Helmsman' figure of a sailor and ship's wheel originates from a 2.1 metre timber figure of a sailor believed to have been made in 1850 by George Bawn, a family carver and guilder. It was displayed outside the building premises to represent the original family business of ship's mast, block and tackle making.
In the late 1800's, situated on the roof of the building near London's Limehouse Dock the Helmsman became a well known but unofficial navigation point called "The Old Man".
Suffering damage from the war years of 1914 - 1918 and 1939 - 1945 "The Old Man" was moved from the roof to a less vulnerable position on the side of the building.
Following relocation to Bury St. Edmunds in 1970 the sailor figure remained on display until 1994 when it was fully renovated and placed within the building for safe keeping.
A new replica sailor has been on display outside the company since 1994 so the company preserves the tradition of displaying the sailor for all to see.
The company logo has undergone many changes over the decades and was updated in 1998 to reflect the company's modern, forward-looking attitude.
