Harry Wheatcroft
Encyclopedia
Harry Wheatcroft was a famous English
rose
grower. He did a great deal to popularise roses among British gardeners. He was known for his flamboyant appearance and opinions.
, Nottingham
, the younger son of George Alfred Wheatcroft (b. 1862/3). a journeyman stonemason and builder, and his wife, Sarah Elizabeth Wood. They were dedicated members of the Independent Labour Party, whose leaders visited the modest family home, and on many occasions the young Harry sat on Keir Hardie
's knee. Wheatcroft attended schools in Nottingham and also the Ecole Camille Desmoulins at Saint-Quentin
, France, where he became fluent in French. After working in a lace factory and a motor firm he was conscripted in 1916, despite having claimed registration as a conscientious objector
. He was court-martialled for disobedience and sentenced to two years' imprisonment in Wormwood Scrubs
. Diagnosed with tuberculosis
, however, he was released after serving one year to convalesce at a Quaker health home.
guided him into horticulture, saying 'You'll bring beauty into the world. Politics
is a very dirty business' . The horticultural firm of Wheatcroft Brothers was established in 1919, with a bicycle
as the only means of transport, and in 1920 roses became a specialty. Alfred managed the business and Harry was the salesman, often away looking for custom and attending horticultural shows. This worked well because the two never got on, Alfred being misanthropic and Harry outgoing. In 1927 they introduced the Princess Elizabeth rose to honor the royal baby; it was the first of many public relations successes. For the rest of his career Wheatcroft sought and won media attention. He grew into a striking figure, tall and slender until he filled out in middle age, with a pleasing gruff voice and a gift for witty repartee. He cultivated flowing hair and whiskers, finding them "more convenient to grow... than to waste valuable time shaving them off."
, Nottingham, in a custom built Gypsy caravan, arousing curiosity when they took it to the shows. In winter Wheatcroft used a motor cycle when seeking wholesale outlets for unsold plants. He visited breeders in Spain and France, utilizing his linguistic skill, and returned with rose varieties for future introduction. Wheatcroft's marketing of some of those plants might suggest that the firm had originated them, but in truth they had minimal success as rose breeders. In 1935 their launch of Herbert Robinson's Phyllis Gold and Christopher Stone with unprecedented publicity surprised the British rose world. Such vigorous salesmanship was something new.
On the outbreak of World War II
Wheatcrofts had 600,000 roses `about four feet high and in full flower. It appeared there was only one course we could take, which was to destroy our trees and convert the land for food production'. They became instead successful producers of vegetables and breeders of pigs and cattle. After the war Wheatcroft contacted Francois Meilland of Lyons, whose rose Peace, the sensation of the time, he introduced to Britain in 1948.
before the name had been agreed, appeared as ‘the Great Unnamed Seedling.’ And he made Fragrant Cupid the talking point of the National Rose Society’s autumn show in 1963 by filling a bowl with its wonderfully scented petals. The acquisition of these varieties, with peace and Queen Elizabeth, are Wheatcroft’s enduring achievements, a tribute to his energy, good rose judgment, and entrepreneurial skills.
's Chelsea Flower Show
by staging roses without a shirt on. It has been recounted that the president, Lord Aberconway
, approached: 'A hot day, Harry!' 'Indeed, my lord.' 'Tell you what, Harry, if you'll put a shirt on, I'll take my jacket off!'
The society honored him in 1972 with the Victoria Medal of Honor, and in 1973 he was awarded the Royal National Rose Society
's Dean Hole medal. Wheatcroft's prosperity and enjoyment of life's good things never blunted his sometimes naive expression of left- wing views. He offended a Texan audience by declaring that America might not be embroiled in the Vietnam combat if more Americans grew roses. Yet on attending the May Day parade in Moscow's Red Square, he admiringly described the militarism on display as awe-inspiring.
on 8 Jan 1977.
Wheatcroft Garden Centre is still in operation in Edwalton in Nottingham today, although recently bought from the Wheatcroft family by a private chain. The onsite cafe is called Cafe Rose, in honour of Harry Wheatcroft. Over the past years it has undergone major refurbishments with a large extension which covers homeware and gifts and the newly installed food shop where a selection of home made meals and condiments are available. These improvements have helped the popularity of The Wheatcroft Garden Centre continue to grow.
His niece, Anna Wheatcroft, was married to future "Doctor Who
" star Tom Baker
from 1961 to 1966. They had two children, Daniel and Piers. In his book, 'Who On Earth is Tom Baker?', the actor explained that during his marriage to Anna, the rest of the Wheatcroft family treated him very cruelly.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
rose
Rose
A rose is a woody perennial of the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae. There are over 100 species. They form a group of erect shrubs, and climbing or trailing plants, with stems that are often armed with sharp prickles. Flowers are large and showy, in colours ranging from white through yellows...
grower. He did a great deal to popularise roses among British gardeners. He was known for his flamboyant appearance and opinions.
Early life
Wheatcroft was born at 23 Handel Street, SneintonSneinton
Sneinton is a south-eastern suburb of Nottingham, England. The area is bounded by Carlton to the north, Colwick to the south, Meadow Lane to the southwest and Bakersfield to the east.-Description:...
, Nottingham
Nottingham
Nottingham is a city and unitary authority in the East Midlands of England. It is located in the ceremonial county of Nottinghamshire and represents one of eight members of the English Core Cities Group...
, the younger son of George Alfred Wheatcroft (b. 1862/3). a journeyman stonemason and builder, and his wife, Sarah Elizabeth Wood. They were dedicated members of the Independent Labour Party, whose leaders visited the modest family home, and on many occasions the young Harry sat on Keir Hardie
Keir Hardie
James Keir Hardie, Sr. , was a Scottish socialist and labour leader, and was the first Independent Labour Member of Parliament elected to the Parliament of the United Kingdom...
's knee. Wheatcroft attended schools in Nottingham and also the Ecole Camille Desmoulins at Saint-Quentin
Saint-Quentin, Aisne
Saint-Quentin is a commune in the Aisne department in Picardy in northern France. It has been identified as the Augusta Veromanduorum of antiquity. It is named after Saint Quentin, who is said to have been martyred here in the 3rd century....
, France, where he became fluent in French. After working in a lace factory and a motor firm he was conscripted in 1916, despite having claimed registration as a conscientious objector
Conscientious objector
A conscientious objector is an "individual who has claimed the right to refuse to perform military service" on the grounds of freedom of thought, conscience, and/or religion....
. He was court-martialled for disobedience and sentenced to two years' imprisonment in Wormwood Scrubs
Wormwood Scrubs
Wormwood Scrubs, known locally as The Scrubs, is an open space located in the north-eastern corner of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham in west London. It is the largest open space in the Borough, at 80 ha , and one of the largest areas of common land in London...
. Diagnosed with tuberculosis
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, MTB, or TB is a common, and in many cases lethal, infectious disease caused by various strains of mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body...
, however, he was released after serving one year to convalesce at a Quaker health home.
Post-World War I
Wheatcroft considered whether to enter politics or join his brother Alfred as a market gardener. The politician James MaxtonJames Maxton
James Maxton was a Scottish socialist politician, and leader of the Independent Labour Party. A prominent proponent of Home Rule for Scotland, he is remembered as one of the leading figures of the Red Clydeside era.-Early years:...
guided him into horticulture, saying 'You'll bring beauty into the world. Politics
Politics
Politics is a process by which groups of people make collective decisions. The term is generally applied to the art or science of running governmental or state affairs, including behavior within civil governments, but also applies to institutions, fields, and special interest groups such as the...
is a very dirty business' . The horticultural firm of Wheatcroft Brothers was established in 1919, with a bicycle
Bicycle
A bicycle, also known as a bike, pushbike or cycle, is a human-powered, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, having two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. A person who rides a bicycle is called a cyclist, or bicyclist....
as the only means of transport, and in 1920 roses became a specialty. Alfred managed the business and Harry was the salesman, often away looking for custom and attending horticultural shows. This worked well because the two never got on, Alfred being misanthropic and Harry outgoing. In 1927 they introduced the Princess Elizabeth rose to honor the royal baby; it was the first of many public relations successes. For the rest of his career Wheatcroft sought and won media attention. He grew into a striking figure, tall and slender until he filled out in middle age, with a pleasing gruff voice and a gift for witty repartee. He cultivated flowing hair and whiskers, finding them "more convenient to grow... than to waste valuable time shaving them off."
Married life
On 15 June 1929 Wheatcroft married Dorothy, known as Doss (1905-1999) the daughter of John Averill, a wealthy Tamworth farmer. She was a gymnast and dietician. Under her influence Wheatcroft became mainly vegetarian and his health improved. They lived at the nursery in GedlingGedling
Gedling is a local government district with borough status in Nottinghamshire, England. Its council is based in Arnold. It is part of the Greater Nottingham metropolitan area lying to the North and East of the City of Nottingham....
, Nottingham, in a custom built Gypsy caravan, arousing curiosity when they took it to the shows. In winter Wheatcroft used a motor cycle when seeking wholesale outlets for unsold plants. He visited breeders in Spain and France, utilizing his linguistic skill, and returned with rose varieties for future introduction. Wheatcroft's marketing of some of those plants might suggest that the firm had originated them, but in truth they had minimal success as rose breeders. In 1935 their launch of Herbert Robinson's Phyllis Gold and Christopher Stone with unprecedented publicity surprised the British rose world. Such vigorous salesmanship was something new.
On the outbreak of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
Wheatcrofts had 600,000 roses `about four feet high and in full flower. It appeared there was only one course we could take, which was to destroy our trees and convert the land for food production'. They became instead successful producers of vegetables and breeders of pigs and cattle. After the war Wheatcroft contacted Francois Meilland of Lyons, whose rose Peace, the sensation of the time, he introduced to Britain in 1948.
Success as a rose grower
In 1952 he secured another coup, by introducing Queen Elizabeth from the USA. In 1953 Wheatcrofts sought to register eleven rose names as trademarks, to give them a monopoly over Meilland's creations. In the Chancery Division, 'With his Dundreary whiskers, his mane of black hair, his suit of black-and-white check ... the Nottingham rose king made as picturesque a figure this week as the Law Courts have seen' He made the judge laugh, lost the case, but reckoned the publicity well worth the £2000 costs. Wheatcroft displayed brilliant showmanship with two German Roses. Super Star, exhibited in LondonLondon
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
before the name had been agreed, appeared as ‘the Great Unnamed Seedling.’ And he made Fragrant Cupid the talking point of the National Rose Society’s autumn show in 1963 by filling a bowl with its wonderfully scented petals. The acquisition of these varieties, with peace and Queen Elizabeth, are Wheatcroft’s enduring achievements, a tribute to his energy, good rose judgment, and entrepreneurial skills.
Split with Alfred Wheatcroft
In 1962, when longstanding strained relationships with his brother came to a head, Wheatcroft joined his sons in a rival firm, which bought out the older company to become the Wheatcroft Organization. With capable young family members running the day-to-day business (never his strong suit) Wheatcroft gave his publicity skills free rein. His whiskers and dress became more bizarre. Out of a huge maroon Rolls Royce would appear his tall, gangling figure. Clad in a floral shirt with royal-blue trousers flecked with colour, or perhaps in a suit of dogtooth tweed trimmed with tangerine velvet, against which his horn-rimmed spectacles swung wildly from a string. He captivated photographers, the media, and the gardening public. Show reports carried his picture even when his firm's participation had been minimal. He traveled the world, lectured extensively, and wrote books, and his television appearances included a commercial advertising cheese. During this period Wheatcroft committed a social indiscretion at the Royal Horticultural SocietyRoyal Horticultural Society
The Royal Horticultural Society was founded in 1804 in London, England as the Horticultural Society of London, and gained its present name in a Royal Charter granted in 1861 by Prince Albert...
's Chelsea Flower Show
Chelsea Flower Show
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, formally known as the Great Spring Show, is a garden show held for five days in May by the Royal Horticultural Society in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, London...
by staging roses without a shirt on. It has been recounted that the president, Lord Aberconway
Charles McLaren, 3rd Baron Aberconway
Charles Melville McLaren, 3rd Baron Aberconway, JP was a British industrialist and horticulturalist. He was the son of Henry McLaren, 2nd Baron Aberconway and Christabel Macnaghten.-Education:...
, approached: 'A hot day, Harry!' 'Indeed, my lord.' 'Tell you what, Harry, if you'll put a shirt on, I'll take my jacket off!'
The society honored him in 1972 with the Victoria Medal of Honor, and in 1973 he was awarded the Royal National Rose Society
Royal National Rose Society
The Royal National Rose Society is dedicated to the cultivation and appreciation of roses. It was founded in 1876 and is based in St Albans in England...
's Dean Hole medal. Wheatcroft's prosperity and enjoyment of life's good things never blunted his sometimes naive expression of left- wing views. He offended a Texan audience by declaring that America might not be embroiled in the Vietnam combat if more Americans grew roses. Yet on attending the May Day parade in Moscow's Red Square, he admiringly described the militarism on display as awe-inspiring.
Family life
At home he was a quiet, even subdued family man, happy with his five children though with little time to spend with them, for they attended boarding school, and summer holidays coincided with shows. His wife, Doss, was infuriated by a string of infidelities; he disarmingly shrugged them off, maintaining that yielding to temptation is 'a natural bent, isn't it?' (Wheatcroft, Root of the platter, 4r). In the 1960s he named a red rose for his wife, and an appropriately flamboyant red and yellow rose bore his own name in 1972. Having suffered a stroke, Wheatcroft died peacefully in Nottingham General HospitalNottingham General Hospital
Nottingham General Hospital was the first properly constituted hospital in Nottingham, England.It was part of the area known as Nottingham Park, immediately to the north of Nottingham Castle and near the wharves, and was founded on land of which one half was given by Thomas Pelham-Clinton, 3rd...
on 8 Jan 1977.
Wheatcroft Garden Centre is still in operation in Edwalton in Nottingham today, although recently bought from the Wheatcroft family by a private chain. The onsite cafe is called Cafe Rose, in honour of Harry Wheatcroft. Over the past years it has undergone major refurbishments with a large extension which covers homeware and gifts and the newly installed food shop where a selection of home made meals and condiments are available. These improvements have helped the popularity of The Wheatcroft Garden Centre continue to grow.
His niece, Anna Wheatcroft, was married to future "Doctor Who
Doctor Who
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of a time-travelling humanoid alien known as the Doctor who explores the universe in a sentient time machine called the TARDIS that flies through time and space, whose exterior...
" star Tom Baker
Tom Baker
Thomas Stewart "Tom" Baker is a British actor. He is best known for playing the fourth incarnation of the Doctor in the science fiction television series Doctor Who, a role he played from 1974 to 1981.-Early life:...
from 1961 to 1966. They had two children, Daniel and Piers. In his book, 'Who On Earth is Tom Baker?', the actor explained that during his marriage to Anna, the rest of the Wheatcroft family treated him very cruelly.
External links
- National Portrait Gallery portraits "Champion rose grower and communist" Portrait 1, Portrait 2