It is my intention to write a tribute to Bill Philbrook who was, in my opinion, a frame builder of unmatched ability. Perhaps more importantly he was a really interesting and nice man. Unfortunately I am struggling to obtain hard facts about his ca
reer. I know he worked for Claud Butler and Gillotts and when I first met him in 1978 he had a business in Arden Street, Gillingham, Kent. He was a club cyclist and I believe he had raced in his youth.
I have three of Bill’s frames and the photos of the seat lug are from a 1978 road frame. The lug started as a Prugnat long point before Bill reduced it to next to nothing. I don’t expect that the lug adds anything to the structural integrity of the frame, that came from the perfect mitreing and brazing.
Alison Golding (Philbrook) said
hello
Thank you for your comments about my late father Bill Philbrook I came across your web site while browesing the web. dads frames have been sighted in other parts of the globe as well.
Jeff Lyon said
Just came across this tribute to Bill. I worked at the Arden st. shop from 1975-76 part time then full time from 1976 till I returned to the states in 1981. Bill had a huge influance on my life, in fact doubt I would stayed in the UK as long had I not met him. If I can answer any questions you may have I still remember a fair bit of it. Cheers Jeff
David Giles said
Hello, Came across your notes about Bill Philbrook by chance. I knew Bill more or less from when he arrived at the shop in Arden street (around 1960 I believe) and can confirm his abilities as a frame builder – I spent many hours in his shop just watching him at work when I was quite young. He was a very gentle soul, a craftsman in every sense of the word and very open to offer his frame building ’secrets’. It’s always been an ambition of mine to own one of his frames, but of course I could never afford one when I was living in the Medway Towns. I was a member of Wigmore Cycling Club at that time, so was pleased to note that there is now a race named in his honour!
Jonathan Sage said
Hello David,
My father and Uncle used to be members of Wigmore cycling club.
My fathers name was Peter Sage (Sadly passed away in nov 2004)
My uncles name is Richard Sage (He is still with us)
I have loads of my dads photos of wigmore club runs and time trial events.
Would be nice to know if you remember my dad or uncle.
My dad used to rave on about Philbrooks frames, and I have one of his frames.
Super lightweight with all campagnolo, great frame.
Many thanks
Jonathan
Jonathan Sage said
My frames number is 285786
Jonathan
Hi Jonathan, That number would seem to be a Philbrook number but it doesn’t fit with my frame numbers:
Number Date on invoice
211787 8th Aug 1978
2297912 23rd Jan 1980
2768212 31st March 1983
317856 11th Dec 1985
Looking back what is weird is how long after the frames were built they were ready for collection. the last one has a six month gap. I wonder if your frame was built for another dealer and Bill used a different numbering system for outside jobs?
Jonathan Sage said
I’ll take some photos of it.
It does have the same lug work as your bike, and I the but joins have some nice work on them too.
More investigation is needed.
But you could be right
Thanks
Jonathan
Jonathan Sage said
After doing a bit of digging and asking my uncle some questions about the frame, it turns out that if Bill Philbrook didnt agree with your clearances, he wouldnt put his name to it, but still build the frame anyway.
My frame is a light weight ‘Fixed’ track frame, the clearances are very close and the forks have a very steep rake angle.
This is why I’m guessing that the serial number is different.
What ever, its still a cracking frame
Jonathan
David Giles said
Jonathan, Yes, I knew your father – I was very sorry to read that he is no longer with us. I also knew your uncle Richard and your Grandparents – I’m sure Peter and Richard had a much younger brother, Terence, if my memory serves me correctly.
I remember your father ordering a high – spec Holdsworth frame with beautiful lugwork and also distinctly remember seeing the order docket in Bill’s workshop. I seem to recall that he found it hard to believe that it was actually built by Bill in Arden Street! All this is such a long time ago, but it’s nice to know that Bill’s talents are still appreciated. David.
Ian Barratt said
Hello.Good to see there’s a bit more up on the web about Bill.I too, like David spent a lot of time – (far too much time)speaking to Bill.it’s a wonder he ever got anything made(only 284 Philbrooks ever made!?) – he was always willing to talk to people – and shortly before he died he posed for a few pencil portraits that I drew of him. Sadly now I’m going to sell my Philbrook( for a number of reasons) – and i want it to go to a good home – so David if you’re still looking , let me know.
Finally – a question – for someone who made such things of beauty – why did Bill insist on driving a sun-faded beige Austin Maxi held together with car body filler?
It wasn’t just bodyfiller that held his Maxi together, I saw him fix half a bike rim around a rusting wheel arch! Quite a neat trick. I guess he drove the Maxi because he didn’t make too much money, certainly his frame prices were very modest considering the workmanship and time involved.
David Giles said
Hello Ian,
Sorry for the belated reply but I don’t often look at this site. I’m afraid I’m a ‘lapsed’ cyclist these days and much more involved in model engineering.
As I’m now retired and on a limited budget, I fear that one of Bill’s frames is still beyond my limited resources. I do hope that you found a good home for your machine! David.
Gary Seward said
Really nice to see some comments about Bill Philbrook! I’ve been searching for ages. I have a tandem that I beleive is a Philbrook, I think it is around 1960-1962 in its original condition. I would welcome any information or comments. ie did he build many tandems? etc.
Hi Gary, good to hear from a Philbrook fan. Yes Bill was in to tandems in a big way. A friend bought a second hand Philbrook tandem and Bill had used all sorts of tricks to compensate for the lack of suitable parts at that time. In particular the “down tube” consisted of two standard sized tubes and the way Bill mitred them together to meet the head tube was just amazing. also the front wheel was built with a forty hole double fixed hub. Simple but effective. Does your frame have a number?
Gary Seward said
Thanks for replying, the frame number is 1497411 at the front underneath and I have also found at the back GR2 MADE? this could be slightly wrong as it is quite faint. I’m guessing that this means she was made in 1974? The way that the frame has been built is amazing and I have had a number of other cyclists commenting on it.It is red and is called Rosie, I’ve had it for about 20 years and still ride around the UK Sussex countryside most weekends(weather permittting). I have some photos if you would like to see them.
Gary
Well Gary that frame number seems to fit with Bill’s system. That would be his 149th frame made in November 1974. My first frame was numbered 211787 and I collected it on 8th August 1978. The cost was £112.41 including a fitted headset which was remarkably good value. I have a photo on the blog of the seat lug on that frame that Bill had filed to almost nothing. With perfect mitreing the lugs were almost superficial.
Gary Harbord said
I too came across this tribute by chance. I used to visit the shop at 4-6 Arden Street, Gillingham a lot about 20 years ago. At that time there was someone working there by the name of Rod Kennison. I had a frame built for me which I believe is a Dave Marsh frame but with the “Philbrook” and “PAG” decals. I do not know much about the frame building of Bill Philbrook but would be very interested to find out more. I still have the bike which is now gracing the roads of South Australia. Gary Harbord, Adelaide, SA
martin mcgregor said
I knew Bill, i was a young racing cyclist who saved for years to buy one of his frames.
I visiting his shop one day and had my bike stolen, Bill made me another and
years later the origional was found.
Bill would look out his window and if he saw somebody in need…like a lady
with a broken pram he would drop everything to help,he was a great,great man who i was proud to know….i also remember Jeff Lyons working there,
he took me out on the back of his tandem and scared me silly.
Bill made the frames then he would shock blast them….wearing his army berit then paint, he did the whole job from start to finsh…a master at his craft.