Our History

The GB Farrar Story.
The GB Farrar team of specialists have been delivering excellence since 1920, earning a reputation for quality, reliability, and expert service. With decades of experience and a forward-thinking approach, they continue to set the standard for trusted building solutions.

An old document or invoice from G. B. Farrar & Co., Builders & Contractors, dated January 19, 1920, with a partial view of text and details.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship Since 1920.

Established in 1920 as a general building company and housebuilder in London’s East End, GB Farrar quickly built a reputation for quality and reliability. During the war years the company adapted to undertake fire, salvage, bomb repair and restoration work demonstrating resilience and versatility.

Indoor scene with a potted plant featuring green leaves in a black pot, positioned near a wall with a vertical striped white panel, adjacent to a wooden panel and a dark gray textured wall.

Honouring Our Past and Building for the Future.

In the late 1950s, GB Farrar diversified into shop fitting and specialist joinery manufacturing, supporting the growing retail sector with skilled craftsmanship. In 2000, the business relocated to modern offices with workshop facilities in South East London, and in 2018 our joinery workshop moved to a purpose-built unit in Rochester, Kent, enabling further expansion and continued excellence across our projects.

Company Timeline.

  • Historical document titled 'Weekly Time Sheet' for G. B. Farrar & Co., Builders and Contractors, dated January 16th, 1920, listing workers, their trades, hours worked, and wages.

    1920 –

    George Broome Farrar founded G B Farrar Building Contractors, based at 193 Whitechapel Road, London E1.

  • Cover page of a legal document titled 'Memorandum and Articles of Association' for G. B. Farrar & Co. Limited, related to company incorporation in 1963.

    1963 –

    The company was incorporated, becoming G B Farrar Co Ltd.

  • Cover page of a booklet titled 'Accounts' prepared for a meeting on September 25th, 1965, by Smallfield, Rawlins & Co., Chartered Accountants, with some handwritten notes in the top right corner.

    1965 –

    E. J. Jacobs was appointed Managing Director, leading expansion into corporate refurbishment works.

  • A black and white photograph of an older man with neatly combed back hair, smiling, dressed in a suit with a tie, and wearing a fur-collared coat.

    1968 –

    Founder George Broome Farrar passed away, leaving a strong foundation for future growth.

  • A framed certificate of incorporation with a wooden border hanging on a light-colored wall.

    1978 –

    J. M. Jacobs joined the company as a joiner/site carpenter, beginning a lifelong career within the business.

  • Two men standing in front of a large, closed, rusty metal door with graffiti and a sign that reads "No Parking GATES IN USE 24 HOURS A DAY." The ground is wet and cluttered with trash, including a crumpled piece of paper and a bag. One man has light hair and is wearing a dark jacket, while the other has dark hair and is wearing a black sweater.

    1991 –

    E. J. Jacobs retired, handing leadership to his son J. M. Jacobs. Alongside Commercial Director P. S. Smith, the business experienced significant growth, eventually necessitating relocation.

  • A white commercial building with several windows and signs for GB Farrar, a specialist refurbishment and joinery company, parked with multiple white delivery vans in front. The sky above is partly cloudy with blue patches, and there are trees and neighboring houses in the background.

    2001 –

    The company moved to its current premises at 182 Manor Lane, London SE12.

  • The image shows a commercial building with a brick exterior and signs that read 'UNIT 21' and 'GB FARRAR Specialized Refurbishment & Joinery.' There is a blue metal garage door, a parking lot with several cars, and a blue sky with scattered clouds overhead.

    2017 –

    The expanding bespoke joinery division relocated to its own dedicated premises in Rochester, Kent, where it continues to produce high-quality, bespoke craftsmanship.

  • Collection of old documents, blueprints, and a photograph displayed on a flat surface, with some documents including a certificate or official paper from G. B. Farrar & Co. Limited and other papers of varying colors and sizes.

    2020 –

    J. M. Jacobs retired after decades of leadership and contribution to the company’s success.

  • A white Citroën commercial van parked in front of a Manx white building with three windows and a sign for GB Farrar, a specialist refurbishment and joinery company. The sign displays contact information including address, email, telephone, and website.

    2023 – Present

    A. J. Jacobs leads the business today, continuing the company’s legacy while driving it forward into the future.

L E T ‘ S C O L L A B O R A T E

Brief us on your project.

Contact Us

Need to get in touch?
Fill out the form below, or to speak to a member of the team directly by following the link here.