1932 - R.M.Williams is established
Having learned leatherworking skills from a passing horseman known as Dollar Mick in the Flinders Ranges, RM resolves to try his hand at producing leather goods. His first success comes by selling saddles to the owner of a group of cattle stations, which enables RM to set up shop in his father's shed at 5 Percy Street in the Adelaide suburb of Prospect in 1934. This location, still one of our retail outlets, now hosts the R.M.Williams Outback Heritage Museum.
The R.M.Williams company grows apace, developing a reputation across South Australia and beyond for high quality products. The company is producing a wide range of leather goods, but is finding particular success with its range of riding boots. The feature that sets RM's boots apart from competitors stems from his aptitude for leatherwork. The upper of the boots is constructed using a single piece of leather, a method that enhances durability and creates a timeless, clean look. This production technique remains a staple of R.M.Williams styles today.
Any financial worry RM has about the long-term viability of his leatherwork business is calmed by a stroke of incredible luck when he buys a small mine and strikes gold - literally.
'I used to stagger down the street to the bank with these bags of gold, a shotgun each side, and thinking I was pretty important.'
'I used to stagger down the street to the bank with these bags of gold, a shotgun each side, and thinking I was pretty important.'