This year, The Poppy Factory celebrates a remarkable milestone: one hundred years at its home in Richmond, where its dual mission of remembrance and veteran support continues to thrive.
Founded in 1922 by Major George Howson MC, a decorated World War I officer, the factory began on London’s Old Kent Road with a modest goal: to provide employment for 50 disabled ex-servicemen. Major Howson’s vision quickly outgrew its premises, leading to the pivotal move in 1926 to a former bottling factory on the site of the historic Richmond Brewery. The location, chosen for its proximity to the River Thames and Richmond Park, was deliberately selected to aid the recovery and rehabilitation of injured soldiers.
A Purpose-Built Community
The Richmond estate evolved into a holistic community for veterans and their families. Beyond the factory itself, purpose-built flats were constructed, and at one time the site even housed a pub and cinema for relaxation. The current iconic Art Deco building, which remains the factory’s heart, was completed on the brewery land in 1933. From its Richmond base, the organisation’s workforce grew to 365 by the outbreak of the Second World War, producing tens of millions of poppies for the nation.
The Hands-On Heart of Remembrance
While the familiar paper poppies worn by the public are now mass-produced elsewhere, the Richmond factory retains a sacred, hands-on role. Here, veterans and staff meticulously hand-assemble the poppies used in remembrance wreaths, a tactile link to the factory’s origins. Visitors on a tour can witness this careful process and participate directly, assembling a poppy themselves to understand the skill involved.
The factory produces around 100,000 wreaths annually, including 250 special wreaths for the Royal Family and other ceremonial purposes. This core act of remembrance is powered by the factory’s expanded modern mission: a national charity providing employment support for veterans with health conditions across England and Wales.
Visiting a Living Legacy
The Poppy Factory invites the public to engage with this living history through its visitor centre, which reopened after refurbishment in 2021. A visit lasts 90 minutes, combining a 30-minute presentation with a one-hour self-guided tour. The experience delves into the history, from the inspiration of John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields” and the fundraising efforts of Anna Guérin, to the first British Legion Poppy Appeal in 1921 which the factory was founded to supply.
Today, the charity’s “Getting You Back to Work” programme is central to its efforts, helping veterans overcome barriers to find meaningful employment. In the 2022-23 financial year alone, over 900 veterans registered for their employment service, with 301 starting new jobs. The factory also works in partnership with organisations like the Royal British Legion, the NHS, and PTSD Resolution to offer comprehensive support.
Located on Petersham Road, a 15-minute walk from Richmond station, the factory is marking its centenary in the borough throughout 2026 with special events and open days. Tickets for a visit cost £15 per person, offering a direct connection to a century of craft, remembrance, and unwavering support for those who served.
