Dunlop: Make Your Mark
John Boyd Dunlop | Photo Credit: Wikipedia
John Boyd Dunlop was a Scottish veterinary surgeon living in Ireland. In 1888, he discovered the pneumatic tire principle, and with the help of Willie Hume winning seven out of eight cycle races with the all-new tire design, gained popularity. This led to the foundation of “Pneumatic Tyre and Booth’s Cycle Agency Co., Ltd” in 1889 and gave them the opportunity to patent the pneumatic tires. It was floated by Harvey du Cros, who was president of the Irish Cyclists’ Association. J.B. Dunlop felt there was no prosperous future for the company, and informally transferred his rights to William Bowden, a Dublin cycle agent. The company’s first HQ was at Oriel House, Westland Row, Dublin.
Oriel House, Westland Row | Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Pneumatic Tyre began production in late 1890, and quickly expanded due to customer demand. In 1890, J.B. Dunlop’s patent was withdrawn due to the discovery that Robert William Thomson had already patented the pneumatic tire in 1845. To help overcome the legal troubles, they hired inventor Charles Kingston Welch, and also acquired other rights and patents which allowed them to protect their company, to some extent.
Dunlop’s first pneumatic tire, National Museum of Scotland | Photo Credit: Wikipedia
In October 1887, J.B. Dunlop created the first practical pneumatic/inflatable tire for his son’s tricycle. After working on smaller scale rides, he worked his way into larger and larger tires until he was working on, primarily, bicycle tires.Dunlop was able to convince professional cyclist Willie Hume to use his tires. Humes won all but one race, and greatly increased Dunlop’s notoriety.
J.B. Dunlop on a Bicycle, 1915 | Photo Credit: Wikipedia
After overcoming the legal issues with their patent, Dunlop retired in 1895 and Du Cros sold the company in 1896 to British financier Terah Hooley for 3 million pounds. After fixing up the building - and ultimately the company - with new window dressings, titled board members, and structure, it was then resold to the public for 5 million pounds. Though he sold ownership, Du Cros remained head of the business until his death in 1918.
Harvey Du Cros | Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Dunlop’s contribution towards developing and popularizing the pneumatic tire came at a critical time in the development of road transportation. Automotive tire production began in 1900, and though Dunlop didn’t make any great fortunes from his contributions, his name will forever have a legacy.