Rewind back to 1908 and a man was born who would shape the traditional Australian workmans boot forever, and over one hundred years later his legend lives on. The man, Reginald Murray Williams, was born onto a farm in Southern Australia and his ties with the Australian bush never wavered, even once his international success was achieved. R.M.Williams life offers many a poignant message with his decision to return to his natural home in the bush later on in life, leaving an impressive new home bought with his success behind.
From the beginning, it was clear that Williams wasn't afraid of hard-work and started his career during his teenage years as a stone builder and lime burner in Victoria. Then, with itchy feet for travel, he left this job to become a camel boy for William Wade the missionary explorer and begun travelling across the western deserts of Australia. It was during this time that Williams learnt many life skills, living and working with the Aboriginals which gave him valuable survival skills, bushcraft and stock handling skills. He also learnt the skills of stockmen at the cattle stations. His passion for the open space was furthered in 1932 when he moved his family to a camp in the Gammon Ranges of South Australia. However, his job as a well digger didn't bring adequate money in to provide for his young family.
Enter the bow-legged itinerant man, Michael George Smith (known as Dollar Mick), a saddler by trade whom on passing Williams' camp site, decided to join them. With his exceptional leather-working skills, Dollar Mick passed on his knowledge to an eager 24 year old Williams, thirty years his junior. Establishing a father-son like relationship, Williams' skill as a leather craftsman was clear and he soon sold his first pair of riding boots for 20 shillings to a man from Hilltaba Station. Encouraged by his sale and his superior knowledge of exactly what a saddle man would want in their shoes, the R.M.Williams boots were born.
Recognising his flair and embracing the challenge before him, Williams wasted no time and opened a factory in 1932 behind his fathers house at 5 Percy Street. The factory was a humble one and consisted of an iron woodshed but the quality of the factory was no reflection on the exceptional craftsmanship that was taking place inside. However, success and money wasn't easy and Williams had to rely on other local craftsman to help meet demands, only being able to advertise in the local press, requesting customers who could pay him in cash.
Fast-forward ten years and Williams remained at 5 Percy Street, continuing to expand his manufactured products, including bush saddlery, bush shirts and moleskins jeans; things which are still popular and crafted to his traditions to this day. However, it was after World War II that Williams reaped the rewards of his hard work as his brand saw a great increase in sales, which subsequently led to a separate showroom being constructed in the 1950's. It was here they remained until 1972 when the boot manufacturing process was moved to Salisbury before being joined by all the other sections (administration, clothing and leathercraft) in 1990.
5 Percy Street may have been left unoccupied of the manufacturing process but was still wholeheartedly occupied with the sentiment and traditions of R.M.Williams which is why the Outback Heritage Museum was opened in 2000; allowing customers and fans to see the intricate details of the manufacturing process. Following Reginald Murray Williams' death on 4th November 2003, aged 94, the Outback Heritage Museum serves as a sentimental reminder of a man who strived for success, not the money of success, but the success of creating a unique boot, and one that has been deemed the best boot in the world by many.
R.M.Williams was a traditional man, and this is seen reflected entirely in his boots, which never waver from their traditional roots. Whilst some styles may vary, the exceptional craftsmanship that has been employed over the past 100 years continues to be seen along with the pride of the company for their Australian heritage.
R.M.Williams – Today
Retaining the originality of the R.M.Williams brand, the company continue to sell $50million (Australian dollars) of products a year, distributing their products all over the world. This international success has been deemed possible due to their unfaltering dedication to the functionality and practicality of their products, continuing R.M.Williams' passion for Australia's bush and heritage.
Over the years, R.M.Williams have expanded their range of products available, recognising the varying lifestyles of their customers. With their continued functional clothing, boot and accessories markets for men, ladies and children, R.M.Williams focus on their traditional customers who need hard-wearing gear for work purposes, those who live in the countryside, those who live in urban areas but desire the country look and the tourism market. Thus, by broadening their horizons and recognising their wide range of customers, R.M.Williams have enabled their brand to become fashionable alongside practical, continuing to employ their sustainability and adhere to the brands origins.
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