Celebrating 100 Years of Purdy

29 May 2025

 

This year marks Purdy’s 100^th anniversary. To celebrate, we take a look back at our history and highlight what we are doing to celebrate this huge milestone.

Since day one, all our tools have been thoughtfully designed and tested to deliver the very best performance. Crafting from quality materials is just as important to us today as it was 100 years ago, which is why our brushes continue to be a firm favourite for many. But do you know how we got here?

 

Where it all began

In 1925, S. Desmond Purdy crafted a handmade paintbrush in his garage in Portland, Oregon. Prior to this, he had already invented and patented a number of innovative brushes in both the USA and Canada; however, it wasn’t until this exact moment that he sparked the growth of his own business – Purdy Brush Company. From here, “Purdy’s Good Brushes”, as it was marketed later, went from strength to strength.

 

Our product range development

In 1940, the materials we commonly used to manufacture paint brushes were in short supply because of World War Two. As a result, the paint roller system was introduced, patented in the USA by Richard Adams. During this time, Adams was an employee of Sherwin-Williams, the company that later bought Purdy in 2004. As the roller system took off, Purdy continued to develop as a national brand across the USA and worked to deliver this new painting solution.

In 2008, after successfully building on the foundations of its handmade brushes and rollers, the company expanded its range yet again to deliver prep and finish tools. From there, the Purdy range has continued to grow to include all the tools professional painters and decorators need, such as new roller systems, tools, buckets and transportation systems like our Purdy Painter’s Storage Box.

Where we are today

Even after 100 years, every single one of our brushes is handmade by our experienced team of brushmakers in Portland, using the same quality materials and attention to detail that S. Desmond Purdy used 100 years ago. Each brush is even marked with its own signed sticker to show who made the brush and display their hard work.  

 

Our Purdy 100 Club

To celebrate our 100^th anniversary, each month we’re surprising one lucky professional painter or decorator who has gone above and beyond and deserves some recognition. To nominate a friend, relative or colleague, visit the Purdy UK Instagram or Facebook page and send us a direct message explaining why your nominee deserves to be treated. Not only will each winner be given a bumper bag of Purdy merchandise, but also a gift of your choice! For the full terms and conditions, visit our pinned post at the top of our Facebook page.

Win a trip to Portland

We are also offering one lucky winner and a guest a seven-night stay in Portland, Oregon – the place where our brush making all began. As well as bed and breakfast at Portland’s 5* Ritz Carlton Hotel, the winners will also be given a tour of the Purdy factory, where they will meet the brushmakers and make their very own brush – a prize money can’t buy! Each month, one runner up will also be selected to win a loaded Purdy backpack.

To enter, all you need to do is visit our competition page where you will be asked why you would like to visit our factory. The competition is only open to professional painters and decorators who are based in the UK or Ireland. Visit the Purdy website for full terms and conditions. Entries close on the 31^st July 2025.