The Blackfriar brand has been making its mark on the paints and varnishes industry for over one hundred years.
The Blackfriar business has its origins in the Ostrich Paint and Varnish works, established in Bristol in 1894, where founder Ernest Parsons spent eight successful years before forming his own business.
In 1902 the Blackfriar name was born and the new business, E. Parsons and Co., quickly earned an excellent reputation for its woodstains and varnishes.
The business grew rapidly and expanded its product range to the extent that in the 1920s it became famed for the black paints it supplied to the motor industry for use in brake shoes for cars and lorries.
Family-owned for over 100 years, Blackfriar was built on a tradition of supplying high quality paints and woodcare products to independent merchants, craftsmen and DIY enthusiasts.
In 2004 Blackfriar became part of the Tor Coatings Group, cementing its position at the premium end of the paint and varnishes market.
The Blackfriar range has everything you need from specialist preparation products through to decorative paints and woodcare for the home and garden.
Ecolibrium is the latest addition to the Blackfriar range. The brand is so-called as it balances performance with sustainability.
The first Ecolibrium products, a groundbreaking range of garden furniture treatments made with over 90% natural ingredients, launched in March 2008.
The products are the result of over two years’ dedicated research and development by Blackfriar parent company Tor Coatings, designed to minimise the environmental impact of its manufacturing processes and deliver eco-friendly products.
Further products are planned for Autumn 2008 – Watch this space!