In 2026, The Poppy Factory marks an extraordinary milestone: 100 years in Richmond.
For a century, the charity has been part of the fabric of the town, with generations of veterans, families, craftspeople and local residents connected to its story. From its beginnings as a place of employment for wounded servicemen to the nationwide support it provides today, The Poppy Factory’s Richmond home has remained at the heart of its work.
As Richmond commemorates Remembrance this November, Be Richmond is celebrating the people, traditions and stories that have shaped a remarkable 100 years.
From 2 November, planters across Richmond will be decorated with poppies in support of The Poppy Factory, creating a visible tribute throughout the town and helping to mark this significant centenary.
A New Home in Richmond
The Poppy Factory’s story began before its arrival in Richmond, with a mission to provide meaningful employment for veterans injured during the First World War.
By 1926, its original premises on the Old Kent Road had become too small. Demand for Remembrance poppies was growing rapidly, and the charity needed more space to increase production and employ more veterans.
Richmond offered something more than simply a larger building. Its location close to the River Thames and Richmond Park provided a quieter environment intended to support recovery and rehabilitation. A former brewery on Petersham Road became the organisation’s new home, with housing also built nearby for employees and their families.
It created a close-knit community in which veterans could live, work and rebuild their lives together – reflecting founder Major George Howson’s belief in providing not only employment, but dignity, purpose and opportunity.
His ambitions were remarkably understated. Writing to his parents in 1922 about the challenge of creating a new industry to employ disabled veterans, Howson admitted:
“I do not think it can be a great success but it is worth trying.”
More than a century later, that idea has transformed thousands of lives.
Generations of life at The Poppy Factory
The Richmond site quickly became much more than a workplace.
Families grew up alongside the factory and formed a community of their own. One of those children was Dennis Williams, whose father, Fred “Bill” Williams, was the factory’s first foreman, while his mother, Mabel, helped organise social events.
Dennis was among the first generation of children born into the Richmond factory community and later returned to The Poppy Factory after more than 60 years away. His story offers a glimpse into a time when generations of families lived, worked and grew up around the site.
That sense of community remains a defining part of The Poppy Factory today.
A Century of Craftsmanship
For many people, The Poppy Factory will always be synonymous with the poppies and wreaths seen during Remembrance.
While the organisation has evolved enormously, much of the craftsmanship behind those tributes continues in Richmond.
The production team makes tens of thousands of wreaths every year, with much of the work still completed by hand. Different regiments, units and organisations require bespoke designs, while Special Wreath Makers use intricate techniques including shaping individual paper poppy petals and cutting wire frames by hand.
Some traditions stretch back almost as far as The Poppy Factory itself.
Wreaths have been made for the Royal Family since 1924, when the Prince of Wales visited the factory and ordered one for the Cenotaph. The Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, established on Major George Howson’s initiative in 1928, also remains an important annual tradition.
In the charity’s Richmond centenary year, that craftsmanship has also received national recognition, with Special Wreath Makers Peter Wills and Paul Hammerton awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Remembrance in The King’s Birthday Honours List.
The Poppy Factory Today
Although the handmade wreaths created in Richmond remain an important part of its identity, The Poppy Factory’s work today extends far beyond production.
Through its Veteran and Family Services, the charity supports veterans and their families across England and Wales to build fulfilling lives after the Armed Forces.
That can include one-to-one employment support, help with CVs and job applications, interview preparation and career planning, alongside support with some of the wider challenges that can affect a person’s ability to find or remain in employment.
The charity also recognises that the transition to civilian life can affect whole families, with support available to adult family members as well as veterans.
It is an evolution of the same purpose that inspired The Poppy Factory’s earliest days: helping people find meaningful work, build confidence and create a positive future.
Events Celebrating 100 years
Throughout 2026, The Poppy Factory has been marking its centenary in Richmond with special events and activities celebrating its heritage, its people and the work it continues to do today.
Visitors can explore the charity’s history at its Richmond visitor centre, discover how Remembrance wreaths are created and hear the stories of the veterans and families at the heart of the organisation.
There are also opportunities to get involved in centenary events. Pop in to the visitor centre on Thursday 3 December, from 10am to 12.30pm, to explore their exhibition free of charge. Enjoy hot drinks and festive cakes and browse their unique range of gifts to get ahead with your Christmas shopping! Details to follow soon at www.poppyfactory.org/open-christmas
Beret Crafternoon - A creative crafting session inspired by the enduring symbol of the poppy. In this hands-on class, you’ll embellish your own poppy-themed beret. This festive workshop is perfect for those who love to sew, create, or simply want to try something new in a welcoming and relaxed environment. Book now.
A visit offers a chance not only to discover a century of Richmond history, but also to understand the impact The Poppy Factory continues to have today.
Be Remembered in Richmond
For The Poppy Factory, its centenary is about more than looking back.
It is a chance to celebrate the people who have shaped the organisation, recognise the craftsmanship and traditions that continue today and look ahead to the next chapter of its work.
Above all, the anniversary is a reminder that remembrance is not simply about reflecting on the past. It is also about taking meaningful action to support those who have served and the families who stand beside them.
This November, Be Richmond is proud to celebrate 100 years of The Poppy Factory in Richmond and the extraordinary people whose stories have become part of the town’s own history.
Residents and visitors can discover The Poppy Factory for themselves, hear the stories behind its work and see the skill that goes into creating Remembrance wreaths in the heart of Richmond.
Discover more about The Poppy Factory at poppyfactory.org.
