Stratton and Co., Ltd.
Balmoral Works, Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham. (1923)
Showrooms: Stratnoid House, 3, Hornsell Street, London, EC1 (1926)
Eddystone Works, Alvechurch Road, Birmingham 31. (1965)

Eddystone Radio Ltd.
Eddystone Works, Alvechurch Road, Birmingham 31. (1965)

Brand: Eddystone

From hairpins to radio waves, Birmingham's Eddystone (1923) rose from fashion's shift. Pioneering shortwave & VHF tech, they even supplied vital radio equipment for Allied aircraft in WWII, rebuilding twice from bombings. Partnering with the BBC, they continued to innovate in digital broadcasting (DAB) throughout the 20th century.
Though ownership changed hands in the 2000s, Eddystone's legacy of resilience and quality radio technology endures.

Eddystone Radio: A Pioneering Journey 

From Hairpins to Radio Waves: An Unexpected Birth (1923)
The story of Eddystone Radio is a testament to serendipity. Following a dramatic shift in women's hairstyles after World War I, J. Jarrett and Rainsford Ltd., a hairpin manufacturer, faced a crisis. Enter George Stratton Laughton, the son of the company's director and a radio enthusiast. His bold suggestion - "Why not make radio components?" - sparked a new direction. Inspired by the burgeoning field of radio and the need for diversification, Eddystone Radio was born in 1923. The name, chosen for its symbolism of strength and reliability (referencing the Eddystone Lighthouse), further solidified the company's aspirations.

Early Days: Catering to Hobbyists and Experimenters
Eddystone's initial offerings focused on components for hobbyists building their own radios. They soon progressed to complete receivers with a distinctive glass front panel, allowing users a glimpse into the inner workings – a novelty at the time. Harold Cox, a young radio enthusiast, joined the company in these early years, becoming a driving technical force for nearly 40 years. He was joined by Arthur Edwards, who played a crucial role in sales and marketing. Eddystone also became an early shareholder in the fledgling British Broadcasting Company, demonstrating their commitment to the future of radio.

Pioneering Shortwave Technology (1926):
G.S. Laughton, recognizing the potential of higher frequencies, shifted the company's focus. They began designing and manufacturing components specifically for experimenting with shortwaves, a largely unexplored territory at the time. This foresight paid off as both the BBC and foreign broadcasters started using short-wave frequencies, enabling worldwide reception. Eddystone's first shortwave receiver, a two-valve model housed in a glass-fronted oak case, became a popular choice. The "Scientifics" series followed, offering short and medium wave reception in wooden cases with Ebonite panels.

Expanding the Market and Embracing Innovation (1930-1939):
Eddystone's focus went beyond the domestic market. They catered to overseas users, such as planters, mining engineers, and administrators, with their "All Wave Fours" series featuring die-cast cases. This approach laid the groundwork for the iconic Eddystone die-cast designs used to this day. Innovation remained a core value. The ECR, their first communications superhet receiver, was equipped with an S-meter and coil packs for improved performance.

Venturing into VHF and Supporting National Defence (1930s):
Eddystone pushed boundaries by developing equipment for even higher Very High Frequencies (VHF). This led to the creation of a 30-60MHz transceiver used by the Oxford University Expedition to Mount Everest, believed to be one of the world's first "walkie-talkies." Recognizing the potential for military use, Eddystone spent years advocating for the adoption of portable VHF two-way communications for police and military vehicles. Their efforts paid off just before the outbreak of World War II. The Metropolitan Police commissioned them to create an automatic VHF wireless telephone system, a crucial project completed through a dedicated 24/7 effort by Eddystone employees. This successful system played a vital role in police communication throughout the war.

By 1939, Eddystone Radio had firmly established itself as a pioneer in radio technology. Their commitment to innovation, adaptation, and national service laid the groundwork for their continued success in the years to come.

World War II: Rising to the Challenge (1939-1945)
Eddystone's contribution to the war effort was significant. A special tuning capacitor, the Type 339 differential condenser, became crucial for "Identification Friend or Foe" (IFF) radar transponders used by Allied aircraft. Despite facing devastating bomb damage that destroyed their factory twice, Eddystone's resilience shone through. Using improvisation and sheer determination, they relocated production to a former lido complex nicknamed "The Bath Tub" on the outskirts of Birmingham. This move allowed them to continue delivering vital equipment. The 358 receiver, a 7-valve superhet, emerged as a crucial tool for communication, particularly since its American counterpart was vulnerable to enemy activity. By the war's end, Eddystone had supplied millions of radio components and thousands of transmitters, receivers, and supplementary equipment to the police and armed forces.

Post-War Challenges and Adaptation (1945-1965)
The post-war market flooded with surplus equipment initially posed a challenge. Furthermore, increased competition in the VHF two-way radio market led Eddystone to shift focus towards specialized communications equipment. Their commitment to quality and performance remained paramount, earning them a global reputation. The 1950s saw the introduction of several successful models, including the 5640, S640, and S670 receivers, all recognized for their high-quality construction and the now-iconic 180° dials. Eddystone also pioneered tuneable VHF receivers in 1953.

Changes in Ownership and Technological Shifts (1965-1990s)
In 1965, the English Electric Company acquired Eddystone, integrating them as a subsidiary of Marconi. The 1960s saw a shift in design aesthetics, with grey steel cabinets replacing the black die-cast aluminum. The iconic slow-motion dial remained, but significant changes were brewing within the parent company. Eddystone devices gained traction in ship chandlery through partnerships with Marconi International Marine Company. The last tube-based devices rolled off the production line in 1973, marking a move towards solid-state technology. By 1980, Eddystone embarked on a successful partnership with the BBC, entering the broadcast transmitter field and pioneering Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) technology in the 1990s.

Navigating a Changing Landscape (1990s-Present)
The end of the Cold War and the rise of satellite communication led to a decline in demand for professional HF receivers. Ownership changed hands several times in the late 1990s and early 2000s as Eddystone faced economic challenges. Despite these hurdles, the company persevered. In 1995, they relocated to a new facility in Birmingham. While the anticipated digital expansion didn't materialize, Eddystone continued to adapt. The transmitter section found new ownership and continues to operate, while the core Eddystone Radio business transitioned to Ring Communication. [1]

Eddystone's Legacy Endures
Today, Eddystone's legacy lives on. Though the company no longer operates in its original form, the innovations and contributions it made to radio technology during its long and storied history remain significant. From their unexpected birth due to changing fashion trends to their pioneering efforts in shortwave, VHF, and digital broadcasting, Eddystone's dedication to quality and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity continue to inspire.[2]

[1] Practical Wireless Feb 1994 pages 34 – 37 by Chris Pettit, Managing Director.
[2] Eddystone User Group Website accessed June 2024.