Our History
1858: BEFORE IT ALL BEGAN
OUR HISTORY
Greenlees & Sons (Easiephit) footwear Ltd founded by Mr James Greenlees. 300 retail shops.
WORLD NEWS
First use of fingerprints as a means of identification is made by Sir William James Herschel of the Indian Civil Service.
1906: THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL
OUR HISTORY
Grahames Schoolwear is founded by James Gardner Grahame and James Greenlees on London Road, Leicester, supplying daywear and Gymphlex PE clothing to local schools. This was the start of a British Sportswear Manufacturing Institution.
WORLD NEWS
Finland in the First European country to give women the vote.
1930: SUPPLYING THE SCOTLAND RUGBY TEAM
OUR HISTORY
The Scotland rugby team choose us as their official kit supplier. Pictured here the Scottish rugby team have a team photo at Twickenham following a successful year, with the founders son, Harry Greenlees, playing at flyhalf.
WORLD NEWS
"Mickey Mouse comic strip 1st appears.
1933: GYMPHLEX APPEARS AT WIMBLEDON
OUR HISTORY
Bobby Meredith, England Tennis Captain chooses Gymphlex.
WORLD NEWS
1st solo flight round the world 7d 19hrs (Wiley Post).
1936: GRAHAME GARDNER AND GYMPHLEX BECOME SISTER COMPANIES
OUR HISTORY
Grahame Gardner and Gymphlex divide to become 2 separate companies. Prior to this the Gymphlex product lines were manufactured and sold under the Grahame Gardner brand.
WORLD NEWS
Jesse Owens wins 4 Gold medals at the 1936 Olympics.
1940: WAR TIME EFFORTS
OUR HISTORY
100 outdoor workers used to produce war requirements.
WORLD NEWS
Churchill was appointed Prime Minister and formed an all-party coalition government.
1947: THE BRITISH SWIMMING ASSOCIATION TURN TO US
OUR HISTORY
The British Swimming team choose Grahame Gardner for the Monte Carlo championships. Great Britain came 5th in the medal table winning 1 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze.
WORLD NEWS
Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth marries the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey, London.
1950: GRAHAME GARDNER APPEARS AT THE FA CUP FINAL FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING - WEMBLEY
OUR HISTORY
Grahame Gardner supplied the training suits at the FA cup final at Wembley. The match was contested between Arsenal and Liverpool, where Arsenal went on to win the match 2-0 courtesy of two goals by Reg Lewis.
WORLD NEWS
First TV remote control, Zenith Radio's Lazy Bones is marketed.
1953: GRAHAME GARDNER PROVIDES UNIFORMS FOR THE RAF ROYAL TOURNAMENT
OUR HISTORY
Grahame Gardner provide sportswear to the Military tattoo and the Royal Tournament London.
WORLD NEWS
The first colour television sets go on sale for about $1,175 in the US.
2003: THE START OF A NEW ERA
OUR HISTORY
James Greenless our current Managing Director and the founders great grandson becomes a Director,
WORLD NEWS
Apple launches ITunes which becomes a major success selling 10 million songs within 4 months of launch.
2006: GRAHAM GARDNER CELEBRATES 100 YEARS
OUR HISTORY
2006 marks an auspicious celebration for Grahame Gardner. It's 100 years since we were founded and began this long and successful journey.
WORLD NEWS
Google purchases YouTube for US$1.65 billion in stock.
2014: A NEW ERA FOR GYMPHLEX AND GRAHAME GARDNER
OUR HISTORY
After over 70 years at Stamford Street Leicester, Gymphlex and Grahame Gardner relocate to Woodside House, 218 London Road, Leicester.
WORLD NEWS
Scotland voted no to independence with 55% of the vote and chose not to break up the relationship which has been established since 1707.