| Creator: |
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| History : |
The firm of retailers began when Mark Foy (1830-1884), a draper from Ireland who had owned various produce stores around the Bendigo district, set up a new drapery business in 1870 in Smith St, Collingwood. The business prospered and occupied six shops by 1880. In 1882 Foy settled the business on his son, Francis, and brought in William Gibson as Francis' partner. Francis soon departed to Sydney where he set up Mark Foy's on his own account, leaving Gibson with the Collingwood business. Gibson added manufacturing and direct importing to retailing, and acquired many subsidiary outlets in Victoria and other states. The first of the Foy and Gibson manufacturing works in Oxford Street was built by 1895. Manufacturing of men's clothing, shirts, ladies' underclothing, millinery, furniture, bedding and hardware was undertaken, and the large 'Gibsonia' woollen and hosiery mills established. By the early 20th century Gibson's store and works were one of the largest employers in Victoria and occupied the entire block bounded by Smith, Wellington, Peel and Stanley Streets Collingwood previously occupied by houses, small factories and hotels. The firm was taken over by Cox Brothers Australia Ltd in 1955, which in turn was liquidated in 1968. |
| Activities/Occupation: |
Manufacturers, clothing and textiles, Retailers |
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