Draft:Nathaniel Taubman
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Nathaniel James Taubman Nathaniel James Taubman (5 February 1864 – 21 December 1931) was an Australian entrepreneur and industrialist best known as the founder of Taubman’s Paints, a leading paint and varnish manufacturing company in Australia, and later co-founder of the Sterling Varnish Co. His innovative contributions to the coatings industry had a lasting impact on Australian manufacturing.
Early Life and Family Nathaniel James Taubman was born on 5 February 1864 in Sydney, New South Wales, to John Taubman (1828–1881), a fireman originally from the Isle of Man, and Sarah Pearson (1841–1901), from London. His grandfather, Henry Taubman (1780–1851), and great-grandfather, John Taubman (1754–1824), were of English descent.[1][2]
He attended Cleveland Street Public School and apprenticed as a plumber before venturing into business. On 25 March 1885, he married Mary Elizabeth Higgs (1863–1953) at St David's Anglican Church, Surry Hills. They had two children, Claude Percival Taubman (1886–1970) and Mrs. E.D. McMartin.[1][3][4]
Career and the Founding of Taubman’s Paints In 1897, Nathaniel co-founded Taubman’s Paints with his brother, George Henry Taubman (1862–1938). Dissatisfied with the quality of imported paints available in Australia, they sought to develop products specifically suited to the country’s harsh climatic conditions. The brothers initially imported and distributed painter and signwriter supplies in Sydney before venturing into manufacturing.[1][2]
In 1901, they established a paint and varnish works at St Peters, Sydney, which laid the foundation for their business. By 1912, the company was incorporated as Taubman’s Ltd, marking its rapid expansion. Under Nathaniel’s leadership, Taubman’s Paints gained a reputation for producing durable, weather-resistant products, enabling the company to compete successfully with imported paints.[2][3]
In 1914, Nathaniel sold his share of Taubman’s Ltd to George and partnered with his son, Claude Percival Taubman, to establish the Sterling Varnish Co. in Alexandria, New South Wales. This new venture specialized in varnish production, further diversifying the Taubman family’s contributions to the coatings industry.[1][4][5]
Contributions to Industry Nathaniel’s work revolutionized paint manufacturing in Australia, focusing on high-quality, weather-resistant formulations tailored for local conditions. His pioneering efforts in varnish production with the Sterling Varnish Co. ensured the continued growth of the Australian coatings industry. Even after his death, Taubman’s Paints continued to thrive, eventually being acquired by PPG Industries, a global leader in coatings, in 2007.[2][3][6]
Personal Life and Legacy Nathaniel Taubman was a devout member of the Church of England, serving as a warden at St Matthew's Anglican Church, Ashbury. He lived in Croydon, Sydney, and was deeply involved in his local community.[1][4]
He passed away on 21 December 1931 at his home in Croydon from heart disease.[4][5] His funeral was held at St James’ Anglican Church, Croydon, and he was buried in the Church of England section of Rookwood Cemetery.[4][5]
Nathaniel was survived by his wife, Mary, his two children, and several grandchildren. His contributions to Australian industry and his family’s continued involvement in manufacturing ensured his lasting legacy.[1][4][5]
References
1. "Taubman, Nathaniel James (1864–1931)." Australian Dictionary of Biography. Retrieved December 6, 2024. 2. "Taubmans Pty Ltd." Museums Victoria Collections. Retrieved December 6, 2024. 3. "Technology in Australia 1788–1988, Chapter 9, Page 683." Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. Retrieved December 6, 2024. 4. "Death of Mr. N. J. Taubman." The Sydney Morning Herald, December 22, 1931. Retrieved December 6, 2024. 4. "Mr. N. J. Taubman." The Sydney Morning Herald, December 23, 1931. Retrieved December 6, 2024. 5. "PPG to Acquire Taubmans." PPG Industries Newsroom. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
Categories Australian businesspeople Australian industrialists Paint companies 1864 births 1931 deaths