So you’ve been bowling for years and you’ve had your bowls for years – they’re almost a part of the family, but do you know the history of bowls manufacture?
Thomas Taylor Lawn Bowls in Glasgow is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious bowls manufacturers – they have been making bowls for over 200 years.
This factory, founded by the Taylor family in 1796 has produced more than 12.8 million different bowls.
They are one of the largest exporters in Scotland – only the whiskey industry is bigger and they are the Bank of Scotland’s second biggest company. Their bowls are still made to the same stringent standards as always, but in 1998 the company introduced a bit of fun intp the world of bowls by introducing coloured bowls that look good enough to eat, and names like ‘mulberry’ and ‘raspberry ripple’ only make it more tempting! A ban on coloured bowls was lifted in 1999 and now you can have bowls to match your mood!
The factory is active for 20 hours a day, producing 600-700 bowls. There are 12 different types of bowls in 14 vibrant colours, and yes, you can still get black ones too!
Special Edition Bowls for specific bowlers, events and climates are all made by Taylor’s.
Here’s a fascinating video showing exactly how bowls are made starting with melamine powder – yes, the same stuff as your kitchen counters – and ending with a beautiful and lovingly crafted masterpiece.
Taylor Bowls are exported around the world, and the company remains one of the best in the world.
