Ferranti Family and Business Papers
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TitleFerranti Family and Business Papers
ReferenceYA2002.22
CreatorFerranti International plc
Ferranti, Sebastian Ziani de
Ferranti International plc was an electrical engineering company originally established in 1883 as S Z de Ferranti.
Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti had previously worked for Siemens Brothers in London before starting his first company, Ferranti, Thompson and Ince Ltd, in 1882 to manufacture alternators. When this company was wound up in 1883, de Ferranti bought back his patents in his alternator design and set up S Z de Ferranti with C P Sparks the same year. The business became a limited liability company in 1889, changing name to S Z de Ferranti Ltd.
In 1896, the company moved from London to new premises in Hollinwood, Oldham, where land and labour were cheaper. In 1901, a new company name, Ferranti Ltd, was registered. Ferranti Ltd acquired the undertakings and assets of S Z de Ferranti Ltd the same year.
The company ran into financial difficulties in 1903, largely through the investment in developing steam engines and dynamos. At the instigation of the debenture stockholders the company went into voluntary receivership. In 1905, the company was relaunched under a scheme of reconstruction, with production limited to the manufacture of switch gear, transformers and instruments. De Ferranti himself took a less active role in the running of the reconstituted company.
Ferranti Ltd expanded its output in 1912 from electricity generating and distribution equipment to include electrical domestic appliances, establishing the Domestic Appliance Department. Expansion overseas began in 1913 when the Ferranti Electric Company of Canada was created as a separate business to the main company.
By 1914, Ferranti Ltd was spread over several sites. It suspended normal production during the First World War and concentrated on the manufacture of shells. This was the first of Ferranti’s government defence contracts.
The 1920s saw a resumption of manufacturing of civilian products. In 1923, production of audio frequency transformers signalled Ferranti Ltd’s move into electronics. In 1926, the company resumed manufacturing domestic appliances, beginning with electric fires, and began trading in the United States as Ferranti Electric Inc, New York. 1927 saw the re-establishment of the Domestic Appliance Department. In 1929, Ferranti Ltd began producing commercial radio receivers and in 1935 established its Moston radio factory, to which the Domestic Appliance Department moved in 1937. Shortly afterwards, television manufacturing started at the Moston site.
Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti died in 1930, and his son Vincent de Ferranti became company chairman in his place. During the 1930s, the company became closely associated with devices that would feature strongly in the Second World War, including thermionic valves (vacuum tubes) used in radios and radar, avionics and naval instruments. During the Second World War, Ferranti Ltd produced marine radar equipment, gyro gun sights for fighters and one of the world’s first IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) radar systems, which reduced the possibility of firing on friendly aircraft or ships. In 1943, the company opened its Edinburgh factory to manufacture gyro gun sights. The Edinburgh site would become Ferranti Ltd’s hub for the manufacture of military defence equipment.
Ferranti Ltd retained its interest in the defence sector after the Second World War. From 1948, the company began to develop guided missiles, especially the Bloodhound, at the Moston factory and later at the Wythenshawe factory. While the defence and communication market expanded throughout the 1950s, domestic products became unprofitable and were dropped. The company sold its radio and television interests to E K Cole Ltd in 1957, and the Domestic Appliance Department closed the following year. Ferranti became increasingly associated with ‘high-tech’ devices, including microwave communications equipment built at Poynton, near Stockport.
Ferranti Ltd moved into computing in 1949, with the establishment of the Computer Department. The department produced the first Ferranti Mark I computer, a commercial version of the ‘Baby’ computer developed by Manchester University, at the Moston factory in 1951. It was the world’s first commercially produced computer. Computer production moved to a factory in West Gorton in 1956, but the Computer Division was sold to International Computers and Tabulators Ltd (ICT) in 1963. Other sections of the company continued to develop computer technology for more specialised applications. Ferranti Ltd also invested in semiconductor research, leading to its development of the first European microprocessor, the F-100L, at its Bracknell plant. Ferranti Ltd also produced non-standard silicon chips to suit individual customers’ needs.
The Hollinwood factory continued to produce generating plant, such as large transformers, establishing the Distribution Transformer Department in 1957. This department operated until 1967.
By 1975 the company was in financial difficulty and the British Government bought a 50% stake in Ferranti Ltd to enable the company to continue developing its telecommunications and computerised control systems. In 1984, the company was restructured into five operating divisions: Ferranti Defence Systems, Ferranti Industrial Electronics, Ferranti Computer Systems, Ferranti Electronics, and Ferranti Instrumentation.
Ferranti Ltd merged with the US based International Signals and Control Group in 1987. The company traded very briefly as Ferranti plc in May 1988, prior to its official name change to Ferranti International Signal plc. The US company had been over-valued because of fraudulent practice. This affected the operation of the newly formed company, and the Defence and Guided Weapons Divisions were sold off to competitors in the area of defence work. Following the discovery of the fraud in 1989, Ferranti International Signal plc was renamed Ferranti International plc in 1990.
The fraud amounted to a loss to Ferranti of £215 million as a result of this the company began legal proceedings against the former Chairman of International Signals & Control Mr James Guerin and three other senior employees. Ferranti were successful and Mr Guerin was ordered to pay $189.9 million to the Ferranti group. A similar judgement was given against the others who were also ordered to repay $189.9 million to the group.
As a consequence of the fraud Ferranti had to dispose of several of its interests in order to raise badly needed cash to reduce its debt burden. Amongst the companies sold were Ferranti Defence Systems Group to the General Electric Company. The Italian companies owned by Ferranti International plc were sold to Finmeccancia plc. Various other smaller interests, including civil computer maintenance, Dundee components and laser business, and a joint venture Thomson-CSF SA were also sold.
Not all the money was recovered, and on 1 December 1993 Ferranti International plc went into receivership, with the remaining company divisions sold off.
Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti had previously worked for Siemens Brothers in London before starting his first company, Ferranti, Thompson and Ince Ltd, in 1882 to manufacture alternators. When this company was wound up in 1883, de Ferranti bought back his patents in his alternator design and set up S Z de Ferranti with C P Sparks the same year. The business became a limited liability company in 1889, changing name to S Z de Ferranti Ltd.
In 1896, the company moved from London to new premises in Hollinwood, Oldham, where land and labour were cheaper. In 1901, a new company name, Ferranti Ltd, was registered. Ferranti Ltd acquired the undertakings and assets of S Z de Ferranti Ltd the same year.
The company ran into financial difficulties in 1903, largely through the investment in developing steam engines and dynamos. At the instigation of the debenture stockholders the company went into voluntary receivership. In 1905, the company was relaunched under a scheme of reconstruction, with production limited to the manufacture of switch gear, transformers and instruments. De Ferranti himself took a less active role in the running of the reconstituted company.
Ferranti Ltd expanded its output in 1912 from electricity generating and distribution equipment to include electrical domestic appliances, establishing the Domestic Appliance Department. Expansion overseas began in 1913 when the Ferranti Electric Company of Canada was created as a separate business to the main company.
By 1914, Ferranti Ltd was spread over several sites. It suspended normal production during the First World War and concentrated on the manufacture of shells. This was the first of Ferranti’s government defence contracts.
The 1920s saw a resumption of manufacturing of civilian products. In 1923, production of audio frequency transformers signalled Ferranti Ltd’s move into electronics. In 1926, the company resumed manufacturing domestic appliances, beginning with electric fires, and began trading in the United States as Ferranti Electric Inc, New York. 1927 saw the re-establishment of the Domestic Appliance Department. In 1929, Ferranti Ltd began producing commercial radio receivers and in 1935 established its Moston radio factory, to which the Domestic Appliance Department moved in 1937. Shortly afterwards, television manufacturing started at the Moston site.
Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti died in 1930, and his son Vincent de Ferranti became company chairman in his place. During the 1930s, the company became closely associated with devices that would feature strongly in the Second World War, including thermionic valves (vacuum tubes) used in radios and radar, avionics and naval instruments. During the Second World War, Ferranti Ltd produced marine radar equipment, gyro gun sights for fighters and one of the world’s first IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) radar systems, which reduced the possibility of firing on friendly aircraft or ships. In 1943, the company opened its Edinburgh factory to manufacture gyro gun sights. The Edinburgh site would become Ferranti Ltd’s hub for the manufacture of military defence equipment.
Ferranti Ltd retained its interest in the defence sector after the Second World War. From 1948, the company began to develop guided missiles, especially the Bloodhound, at the Moston factory and later at the Wythenshawe factory. While the defence and communication market expanded throughout the 1950s, domestic products became unprofitable and were dropped. The company sold its radio and television interests to E K Cole Ltd in 1957, and the Domestic Appliance Department closed the following year. Ferranti became increasingly associated with ‘high-tech’ devices, including microwave communications equipment built at Poynton, near Stockport.
Ferranti Ltd moved into computing in 1949, with the establishment of the Computer Department. The department produced the first Ferranti Mark I computer, a commercial version of the ‘Baby’ computer developed by Manchester University, at the Moston factory in 1951. It was the world’s first commercially produced computer. Computer production moved to a factory in West Gorton in 1956, but the Computer Division was sold to International Computers and Tabulators Ltd (ICT) in 1963. Other sections of the company continued to develop computer technology for more specialised applications. Ferranti Ltd also invested in semiconductor research, leading to its development of the first European microprocessor, the F-100L, at its Bracknell plant. Ferranti Ltd also produced non-standard silicon chips to suit individual customers’ needs.
The Hollinwood factory continued to produce generating plant, such as large transformers, establishing the Distribution Transformer Department in 1957. This department operated until 1967.
By 1975 the company was in financial difficulty and the British Government bought a 50% stake in Ferranti Ltd to enable the company to continue developing its telecommunications and computerised control systems. In 1984, the company was restructured into five operating divisions: Ferranti Defence Systems, Ferranti Industrial Electronics, Ferranti Computer Systems, Ferranti Electronics, and Ferranti Instrumentation.
Ferranti Ltd merged with the US based International Signals and Control Group in 1987. The company traded very briefly as Ferranti plc in May 1988, prior to its official name change to Ferranti International Signal plc. The US company had been over-valued because of fraudulent practice. This affected the operation of the newly formed company, and the Defence and Guided Weapons Divisions were sold off to competitors in the area of defence work. Following the discovery of the fraud in 1989, Ferranti International Signal plc was renamed Ferranti International plc in 1990.
The fraud amounted to a loss to Ferranti of £215 million as a result of this the company began legal proceedings against the former Chairman of International Signals & Control Mr James Guerin and three other senior employees. Ferranti were successful and Mr Guerin was ordered to pay $189.9 million to the Ferranti group. A similar judgement was given against the others who were also ordered to repay $189.9 million to the group.
As a consequence of the fraud Ferranti had to dispose of several of its interests in order to raise badly needed cash to reduce its debt burden. Amongst the companies sold were Ferranti Defence Systems Group to the General Electric Company. The Italian companies owned by Ferranti International plc were sold to Finmeccancia plc. Various other smaller interests, including civil computer maintenance, Dundee components and laser business, and a joint venture Thomson-CSF SA were also sold.
Not all the money was recovered, and on 1 December 1993 Ferranti International plc went into receivership, with the remaining company divisions sold off.
Ferranti, Sebastian Ziani de
Sebastian Ziani Pietro Innocenzo Adhemar de Ferranti, designer, inventor and electrical engineer, was born in Liverpool in 1864. His parents were Cesar Ziani de Ferranti (1831–1903), photographer, and his wife, Juliana, a talented concert pianist. Cesar Ziani de Ferranti ran a successful portrait photography business, and Sebastian grew up in a comfortable household. He attended St Stanislaw Prepatory School in Hampstead, London. He showed talent as an artist, but was already beginning to experiment with steam engines. In 1877 his family sent him to St Augustine's, Ramsgate, Kent, a Benedictine boarding-school, where the staff encouraged his experiments and introduced him to science of electric lighting. In September 1880 he matriculated at University College, London, to continue his studies. Unfortunately his father's untimely death threw Ferranti's family into financial difficulties, and he had to abandon his degree.
de Ferranti began his working career at Siemens, working alongside inventor Alexander Siemens, designing alternator armatures. At Siemens firm he met the photographer Alfred Thompson. Thompson and Ferranti managed to capture the interest of solicitor Francis Ince in their business ideas. As a result the electrical engineering firm of Ferranti, Thompson, and Ince Ltd was established by September 1882. The firm collapsed within a year, and was swiftly followed by another short-lived venture, before Ferranti achieved success.
From 1885 Ferranti established his global reputation as a leading advocate of high-tension alternating-current (AC) generation and distribution. Through work conducted on behalf of Sir Coutts Lindsay & Co, Ferranti demonstrated the feasibility of his ideas, and would become involved in establishing the London Electricity Supply Corporation (LESCo.). Ferranti was a pioneer, as he set up the world's largest power generators at Deptford Power Station. From Deptford the distribution pressure of 10,000 volts would be sent along cables and transformers, a world first.
LESCo struggling financially, and ended the relationship with Ferranti in 1891 but Ferranti's unique expertise had already led to his establishing S. Z. de Ferranti Ltd, a private limited liability company formed in 1890. From the mid-1890s onwards demand for electricity took off, and by 1896 Ferranti decided to rent larger premises in Hollinwood, near Oldham, Lancashire. The company would remain there for the next seventy years.
Two businesses were established at Hollinwood in the early years: one successfully producing meters, and one for steam alternators, which ran into difficulties. This led to Ferranti being largely excluded from the business for over a decade. During this time he worked on other projects, including working with J. and P. Coats Ltd on textile machinery, with Vickers on resuperheating turbines, and with J. Hopkinson & Co. on steam stop valves. He also worked as a consultant for the new, large-scale electricity supply companies.
Ferranti had married Gertrude Ince, daughter of his former business partner, and had seven children. By 1913 his wealth allowed him to buy Baslow Hall, near Bakewell in Derbyshire. He played an active role in industrial politics and professional engineering circles, for instance taking on the presidency of the Institute of Electrical Engineers in 1911-1912. The University of Manchester awarded him an honorary doctorate in 1912.
During the First World War, Ferranti Ltd became heavily involved in munitions work. It would also play a role in the development of Britain's National Grid, and diversify into electrical products for domestic consumers.
Sebastian de Ferranti died 13 January 1930 at the Kantonsspital, Zürich, Switzerland, following surgery. By the time of his death he had one hundred and seventy-six patents under his name, and had played an influential role in the development of electricity. His eldest surviving son, Sir Vincent Sebastian de Ferranti (1893–1980) took over his father's role at Ferranti Ltd.
de Ferranti began his working career at Siemens, working alongside inventor Alexander Siemens, designing alternator armatures. At Siemens firm he met the photographer Alfred Thompson. Thompson and Ferranti managed to capture the interest of solicitor Francis Ince in their business ideas. As a result the electrical engineering firm of Ferranti, Thompson, and Ince Ltd was established by September 1882. The firm collapsed within a year, and was swiftly followed by another short-lived venture, before Ferranti achieved success.
From 1885 Ferranti established his global reputation as a leading advocate of high-tension alternating-current (AC) generation and distribution. Through work conducted on behalf of Sir Coutts Lindsay & Co, Ferranti demonstrated the feasibility of his ideas, and would become involved in establishing the London Electricity Supply Corporation (LESCo.). Ferranti was a pioneer, as he set up the world's largest power generators at Deptford Power Station. From Deptford the distribution pressure of 10,000 volts would be sent along cables and transformers, a world first.
LESCo struggling financially, and ended the relationship with Ferranti in 1891 but Ferranti's unique expertise had already led to his establishing S. Z. de Ferranti Ltd, a private limited liability company formed in 1890. From the mid-1890s onwards demand for electricity took off, and by 1896 Ferranti decided to rent larger premises in Hollinwood, near Oldham, Lancashire. The company would remain there for the next seventy years.
Two businesses were established at Hollinwood in the early years: one successfully producing meters, and one for steam alternators, which ran into difficulties. This led to Ferranti being largely excluded from the business for over a decade. During this time he worked on other projects, including working with J. and P. Coats Ltd on textile machinery, with Vickers on resuperheating turbines, and with J. Hopkinson & Co. on steam stop valves. He also worked as a consultant for the new, large-scale electricity supply companies.
Ferranti had married Gertrude Ince, daughter of his former business partner, and had seven children. By 1913 his wealth allowed him to buy Baslow Hall, near Bakewell in Derbyshire. He played an active role in industrial politics and professional engineering circles, for instance taking on the presidency of the Institute of Electrical Engineers in 1911-1912. The University of Manchester awarded him an honorary doctorate in 1912.
During the First World War, Ferranti Ltd became heavily involved in munitions work. It would also play a role in the development of Britain's National Grid, and diversify into electrical products for domestic consumers.
Sebastian de Ferranti died 13 January 1930 at the Kantonsspital, Zürich, Switzerland, following surgery. By the time of his death he had one hundred and seventy-six patents under his name, and had played an influential role in the development of electricity. His eldest surviving son, Sir Vincent Sebastian de Ferranti (1893–1980) took over his father's role at Ferranti Ltd.
Date
1872-1968
Scope and ContentCollection consists of technical, business and personal records of Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti and his business, Ferranti Ltd.
Business and technical records include legal agreements, technical correspondence, reports, financial papers, correspondence with institutions and societies, Ferranti's letter books and sketch books, notes and photographs concerning engines, turbines, batteries, motor cars and cotton spinning, as well as material relating to numerous patents.
Personal records include private letters, financial records, photographs and material produced about Ferranti after his death, particularly dating from 1964, the centenary of his birth.
Business and technical records include legal agreements, technical correspondence, reports, financial papers, correspondence with institutions and societies, Ferranti's letter books and sketch books, notes and photographs concerning engines, turbines, batteries, motor cars and cotton spinning, as well as material relating to numerous patents.
Personal records include private letters, financial records, photographs and material produced about Ferranti after his death, particularly dating from 1964, the centenary of his birth.
Extent10 linear metres
LanguageEnglish
Archival historyThis collection consists of records gathered together by the Ferranti Company Archivist and later transfered to Henbury Hall. In 2002, the collection was then donated to the Museum of Science and Industry, joining the rest of the Ferranti Collection previously donated.
In 2021, further material was accrued following the Ferranti family's sale of Henbury hall and disposal of the remaining archive.
In 2021, further material was accrued following the Ferranti family's sale of Henbury hall and disposal of the remaining archive.
Levelfonds
Repository nameScience and Industry Museum
Associated people and organisationsFerranti International plc
Ferranti, Sebastian Ziani de
Ferranti International plc was an electrical engineering company originally established in 1883 as S Z de Ferranti.
Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti had previously worked for Siemens Brothers in London before starting his first company, Ferranti, Thompson and Ince Ltd, in 1882 to manufacture alternators. When this company was wound up in 1883, de Ferranti bought back his patents in his alternator design and set up S Z de Ferranti with C P Sparks the same year. The business became a limited liability company in 1889, changing name to S Z de Ferranti Ltd.
In 1896, the company moved from London to new premises in Hollinwood, Oldham, where land and labour were cheaper. In 1901, a new company name, Ferranti Ltd, was registered. Ferranti Ltd acquired the undertakings and assets of S Z de Ferranti Ltd the same year.
The company ran into financial difficulties in 1903, largely through the investment in developing steam engines and dynamos. At the instigation of the debenture stockholders the company went into voluntary receivership. In 1905, the company was relaunched under a scheme of reconstruction, with production limited to the manufacture of switch gear, transformers and instruments. De Ferranti himself took a less active role in the running of the reconstituted company.
Ferranti Ltd expanded its output in 1912 from electricity generating and distribution equipment to include electrical domestic appliances, establishing the Domestic Appliance Department. Expansion overseas began in 1913 when the Ferranti Electric Company of Canada was created as a separate business to the main company.
By 1914, Ferranti Ltd was spread over several sites. It suspended normal production during the First World War and concentrated on the manufacture of shells. This was the first of Ferranti’s government defence contracts.
The 1920s saw a resumption of manufacturing of civilian products. In 1923, production of audio frequency transformers signalled Ferranti Ltd’s move into electronics. In 1926, the company resumed manufacturing domestic appliances, beginning with electric fires, and began trading in the United States as Ferranti Electric Inc, New York. 1927 saw the re-establishment of the Domestic Appliance Department. In 1929, Ferranti Ltd began producing commercial radio receivers and in 1935 established its Moston radio factory, to which the Domestic Appliance Department moved in 1937. Shortly afterwards, television manufacturing started at the Moston site.
Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti died in 1930, and his son Vincent de Ferranti became company chairman in his place. During the 1930s, the company became closely associated with devices that would feature strongly in the Second World War, including thermionic valves (vacuum tubes) used in radios and radar, avionics and naval instruments. During the Second World War, Ferranti Ltd produced marine radar equipment, gyro gun sights for fighters and one of the world’s first IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) radar systems, which reduced the possibility of firing on friendly aircraft or ships. In 1943, the company opened its Edinburgh factory to manufacture gyro gun sights. The Edinburgh site would become Ferranti Ltd’s hub for the manufacture of military defence equipment.
Ferranti Ltd retained its interest in the defence sector after the Second World War. From 1948, the company began to develop guided missiles, especially the Bloodhound, at the Moston factory and later at the Wythenshawe factory. While the defence and communication market expanded throughout the 1950s, domestic products became unprofitable and were dropped. The company sold its radio and television interests to E K Cole Ltd in 1957, and the Domestic Appliance Department closed the following year. Ferranti became increasingly associated with ‘high-tech’ devices, including microwave communications equipment built at Poynton, near Stockport.
Ferranti Ltd moved into computing in 1949, with the establishment of the Computer Department. The department produced the first Ferranti Mark I computer, a commercial version of the ‘Baby’ computer developed by Manchester University, at the Moston factory in 1951. It was the world’s first commercially produced computer. Computer production moved to a factory in West Gorton in 1956, but the Computer Division was sold to International Computers and Tabulators Ltd (ICT) in 1963. Other sections of the company continued to develop computer technology for more specialised applications. Ferranti Ltd also invested in semiconductor research, leading to its development of the first European microprocessor, the F-100L, at its Bracknell plant. Ferranti Ltd also produced non-standard silicon chips to suit individual customers’ needs.
The Hollinwood factory continued to produce generating plant, such as large transformers, establishing the Distribution Transformer Department in 1957. This department operated until 1967.
By 1975 the company was in financial difficulty and the British Government bought a 50% stake in Ferranti Ltd to enable the company to continue developing its telecommunications and computerised control systems. In 1984, the company was restructured into five operating divisions: Ferranti Defence Systems, Ferranti Industrial Electronics, Ferranti Computer Systems, Ferranti Electronics, and Ferranti Instrumentation.
Ferranti Ltd merged with the US based International Signals and Control Group in 1987. The company traded very briefly as Ferranti plc in May 1988, prior to its official name change to Ferranti International Signal plc. The US company had been over-valued because of fraudulent practice. This affected the operation of the newly formed company, and the Defence and Guided Weapons Divisions were sold off to competitors in the area of defence work. Following the discovery of the fraud in 1989, Ferranti International Signal plc was renamed Ferranti International plc in 1990.
The fraud amounted to a loss to Ferranti of £215 million as a result of this the company began legal proceedings against the former Chairman of International Signals & Control Mr James Guerin and three other senior employees. Ferranti were successful and Mr Guerin was ordered to pay $189.9 million to the Ferranti group. A similar judgement was given against the others who were also ordered to repay $189.9 million to the group.
As a consequence of the fraud Ferranti had to dispose of several of its interests in order to raise badly needed cash to reduce its debt burden. Amongst the companies sold were Ferranti Defence Systems Group to the General Electric Company. The Italian companies owned by Ferranti International plc were sold to Finmeccancia plc. Various other smaller interests, including civil computer maintenance, Dundee components and laser business, and a joint venture Thomson-CSF SA were also sold.
Not all the money was recovered, and on 1 December 1993 Ferranti International plc went into receivership, with the remaining company divisions sold off.
Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti had previously worked for Siemens Brothers in London before starting his first company, Ferranti, Thompson and Ince Ltd, in 1882 to manufacture alternators. When this company was wound up in 1883, de Ferranti bought back his patents in his alternator design and set up S Z de Ferranti with C P Sparks the same year. The business became a limited liability company in 1889, changing name to S Z de Ferranti Ltd.
In 1896, the company moved from London to new premises in Hollinwood, Oldham, where land and labour were cheaper. In 1901, a new company name, Ferranti Ltd, was registered. Ferranti Ltd acquired the undertakings and assets of S Z de Ferranti Ltd the same year.
The company ran into financial difficulties in 1903, largely through the investment in developing steam engines and dynamos. At the instigation of the debenture stockholders the company went into voluntary receivership. In 1905, the company was relaunched under a scheme of reconstruction, with production limited to the manufacture of switch gear, transformers and instruments. De Ferranti himself took a less active role in the running of the reconstituted company.
Ferranti Ltd expanded its output in 1912 from electricity generating and distribution equipment to include electrical domestic appliances, establishing the Domestic Appliance Department. Expansion overseas began in 1913 when the Ferranti Electric Company of Canada was created as a separate business to the main company.
By 1914, Ferranti Ltd was spread over several sites. It suspended normal production during the First World War and concentrated on the manufacture of shells. This was the first of Ferranti’s government defence contracts.
The 1920s saw a resumption of manufacturing of civilian products. In 1923, production of audio frequency transformers signalled Ferranti Ltd’s move into electronics. In 1926, the company resumed manufacturing domestic appliances, beginning with electric fires, and began trading in the United States as Ferranti Electric Inc, New York. 1927 saw the re-establishment of the Domestic Appliance Department. In 1929, Ferranti Ltd began producing commercial radio receivers and in 1935 established its Moston radio factory, to which the Domestic Appliance Department moved in 1937. Shortly afterwards, television manufacturing started at the Moston site.
Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti died in 1930, and his son Vincent de Ferranti became company chairman in his place. During the 1930s, the company became closely associated with devices that would feature strongly in the Second World War, including thermionic valves (vacuum tubes) used in radios and radar, avionics and naval instruments. During the Second World War, Ferranti Ltd produced marine radar equipment, gyro gun sights for fighters and one of the world’s first IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) radar systems, which reduced the possibility of firing on friendly aircraft or ships. In 1943, the company opened its Edinburgh factory to manufacture gyro gun sights. The Edinburgh site would become Ferranti Ltd’s hub for the manufacture of military defence equipment.
Ferranti Ltd retained its interest in the defence sector after the Second World War. From 1948, the company began to develop guided missiles, especially the Bloodhound, at the Moston factory and later at the Wythenshawe factory. While the defence and communication market expanded throughout the 1950s, domestic products became unprofitable and were dropped. The company sold its radio and television interests to E K Cole Ltd in 1957, and the Domestic Appliance Department closed the following year. Ferranti became increasingly associated with ‘high-tech’ devices, including microwave communications equipment built at Poynton, near Stockport.
Ferranti Ltd moved into computing in 1949, with the establishment of the Computer Department. The department produced the first Ferranti Mark I computer, a commercial version of the ‘Baby’ computer developed by Manchester University, at the Moston factory in 1951. It was the world’s first commercially produced computer. Computer production moved to a factory in West Gorton in 1956, but the Computer Division was sold to International Computers and Tabulators Ltd (ICT) in 1963. Other sections of the company continued to develop computer technology for more specialised applications. Ferranti Ltd also invested in semiconductor research, leading to its development of the first European microprocessor, the F-100L, at its Bracknell plant. Ferranti Ltd also produced non-standard silicon chips to suit individual customers’ needs.
The Hollinwood factory continued to produce generating plant, such as large transformers, establishing the Distribution Transformer Department in 1957. This department operated until 1967.
By 1975 the company was in financial difficulty and the British Government bought a 50% stake in Ferranti Ltd to enable the company to continue developing its telecommunications and computerised control systems. In 1984, the company was restructured into five operating divisions: Ferranti Defence Systems, Ferranti Industrial Electronics, Ferranti Computer Systems, Ferranti Electronics, and Ferranti Instrumentation.
Ferranti Ltd merged with the US based International Signals and Control Group in 1987. The company traded very briefly as Ferranti plc in May 1988, prior to its official name change to Ferranti International Signal plc. The US company had been over-valued because of fraudulent practice. This affected the operation of the newly formed company, and the Defence and Guided Weapons Divisions were sold off to competitors in the area of defence work. Following the discovery of the fraud in 1989, Ferranti International Signal plc was renamed Ferranti International plc in 1990.
The fraud amounted to a loss to Ferranti of £215 million as a result of this the company began legal proceedings against the former Chairman of International Signals & Control Mr James Guerin and three other senior employees. Ferranti were successful and Mr Guerin was ordered to pay $189.9 million to the Ferranti group. A similar judgement was given against the others who were also ordered to repay $189.9 million to the group.
As a consequence of the fraud Ferranti had to dispose of several of its interests in order to raise badly needed cash to reduce its debt burden. Amongst the companies sold were Ferranti Defence Systems Group to the General Electric Company. The Italian companies owned by Ferranti International plc were sold to Finmeccancia plc. Various other smaller interests, including civil computer maintenance, Dundee components and laser business, and a joint venture Thomson-CSF SA were also sold.
Not all the money was recovered, and on 1 December 1993 Ferranti International plc went into receivership, with the remaining company divisions sold off.
Ferranti, Sebastian Ziani de
Sebastian Ziani Pietro Innocenzo Adhemar de Ferranti, designer, inventor and electrical engineer, was born in Liverpool in 1864. His parents were Cesar Ziani de Ferranti (1831–1903), photographer, and his wife, Juliana, a talented concert pianist. Cesar Ziani de Ferranti ran a successful portrait photography business, and Sebastian grew up in a comfortable household. He attended St Stanislaw Prepatory School in Hampstead, London. He showed talent as an artist, but was already beginning to experiment with steam engines. In 1877 his family sent him to St Augustine's, Ramsgate, Kent, a Benedictine boarding-school, where the staff encouraged his experiments and introduced him to science of electric lighting. In September 1880 he matriculated at University College, London, to continue his studies. Unfortunately his father's untimely death threw Ferranti's family into financial difficulties, and he had to abandon his degree.
de Ferranti began his working career at Siemens, working alongside inventor Alexander Siemens, designing alternator armatures. At Siemens firm he met the photographer Alfred Thompson. Thompson and Ferranti managed to capture the interest of solicitor Francis Ince in their business ideas. As a result the electrical engineering firm of Ferranti, Thompson, and Ince Ltd was established by September 1882. The firm collapsed within a year, and was swiftly followed by another short-lived venture, before Ferranti achieved success.
From 1885 Ferranti established his global reputation as a leading advocate of high-tension alternating-current (AC) generation and distribution. Through work conducted on behalf of Sir Coutts Lindsay & Co, Ferranti demonstrated the feasibility of his ideas, and would become involved in establishing the London Electricity Supply Corporation (LESCo.). Ferranti was a pioneer, as he set up the world's largest power generators at Deptford Power Station. From Deptford the distribution pressure of 10,000 volts would be sent along cables and transformers, a world first.
LESCo struggling financially, and ended the relationship with Ferranti in 1891 but Ferranti's unique expertise had already led to his establishing S. Z. de Ferranti Ltd, a private limited liability company formed in 1890. From the mid-1890s onwards demand for electricity took off, and by 1896 Ferranti decided to rent larger premises in Hollinwood, near Oldham, Lancashire. The company would remain there for the next seventy years.
Two businesses were established at Hollinwood in the early years: one successfully producing meters, and one for steam alternators, which ran into difficulties. This led to Ferranti being largely excluded from the business for over a decade. During this time he worked on other projects, including working with J. and P. Coats Ltd on textile machinery, with Vickers on resuperheating turbines, and with J. Hopkinson & Co. on steam stop valves. He also worked as a consultant for the new, large-scale electricity supply companies.
Ferranti had married Gertrude Ince, daughter of his former business partner, and had seven children. By 1913 his wealth allowed him to buy Baslow Hall, near Bakewell in Derbyshire. He played an active role in industrial politics and professional engineering circles, for instance taking on the presidency of the Institute of Electrical Engineers in 1911-1912. The University of Manchester awarded him an honorary doctorate in 1912.
During the First World War, Ferranti Ltd became heavily involved in munitions work. It would also play a role in the development of Britain's National Grid, and diversify into electrical products for domestic consumers.
Sebastian de Ferranti died 13 January 1930 at the Kantonsspital, Zürich, Switzerland, following surgery. By the time of his death he had one hundred and seventy-six patents under his name, and had played an influential role in the development of electricity. His eldest surviving son, Sir Vincent Sebastian de Ferranti (1893–1980) took over his father's role at Ferranti Ltd.
de Ferranti began his working career at Siemens, working alongside inventor Alexander Siemens, designing alternator armatures. At Siemens firm he met the photographer Alfred Thompson. Thompson and Ferranti managed to capture the interest of solicitor Francis Ince in their business ideas. As a result the electrical engineering firm of Ferranti, Thompson, and Ince Ltd was established by September 1882. The firm collapsed within a year, and was swiftly followed by another short-lived venture, before Ferranti achieved success.
From 1885 Ferranti established his global reputation as a leading advocate of high-tension alternating-current (AC) generation and distribution. Through work conducted on behalf of Sir Coutts Lindsay & Co, Ferranti demonstrated the feasibility of his ideas, and would become involved in establishing the London Electricity Supply Corporation (LESCo.). Ferranti was a pioneer, as he set up the world's largest power generators at Deptford Power Station. From Deptford the distribution pressure of 10,000 volts would be sent along cables and transformers, a world first.
LESCo struggling financially, and ended the relationship with Ferranti in 1891 but Ferranti's unique expertise had already led to his establishing S. Z. de Ferranti Ltd, a private limited liability company formed in 1890. From the mid-1890s onwards demand for electricity took off, and by 1896 Ferranti decided to rent larger premises in Hollinwood, near Oldham, Lancashire. The company would remain there for the next seventy years.
Two businesses were established at Hollinwood in the early years: one successfully producing meters, and one for steam alternators, which ran into difficulties. This led to Ferranti being largely excluded from the business for over a decade. During this time he worked on other projects, including working with J. and P. Coats Ltd on textile machinery, with Vickers on resuperheating turbines, and with J. Hopkinson & Co. on steam stop valves. He also worked as a consultant for the new, large-scale electricity supply companies.
Ferranti had married Gertrude Ince, daughter of his former business partner, and had seven children. By 1913 his wealth allowed him to buy Baslow Hall, near Bakewell in Derbyshire. He played an active role in industrial politics and professional engineering circles, for instance taking on the presidency of the Institute of Electrical Engineers in 1911-1912. The University of Manchester awarded him an honorary doctorate in 1912.
During the First World War, Ferranti Ltd became heavily involved in munitions work. It would also play a role in the development of Britain's National Grid, and diversify into electrical products for domestic consumers.
Sebastian de Ferranti died 13 January 1930 at the Kantonsspital, Zürich, Switzerland, following surgery. By the time of his death he had one hundred and seventy-six patents under his name, and had played an influential role in the development of electricity. His eldest surviving son, Sir Vincent Sebastian de Ferranti (1893–1980) took over his father's role at Ferranti Ltd.
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Related object
Related ArchivesFerranti Archive.YA1996.101ArchivePhotographs of Ferranti products.YA1995.4341ArchiveAssembly of Plate Body High Temperature Plate. Ferranti-Shirley Viscometer.YA2000.261ArchivePhotographs of the High Power Transformer Department, Hollinwood.YA2001.2901ArchiveFerranti staff booklet.YA2004.691ArchiveFerranti share certificates.YA2001.81ArchiveCollection of electric meter catalogues and location maps for Ferranti facilites.YA2004.621ArchiveRoy Bradbury Papers. Former employee of Ferranti Ltd, and other firms.YA2005.1361ArchiveResearch papers of H V Botley into microwaves and Klystron testing at Ferranti.YA2006.71Archive
AppraisalItems from the 2021 accrual that duplicate existing holdings in the main Ferranti company archive had been removed from the collection.
System of arrangementArtificial system of arrangement.
