The Early Days:
John Watson and James Ferguson formed a strong friendship in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Watson's skills were in printing and engineering, Ferguson’s in stationery and bookselling.  They both emigrated to Brisbane in early 1868 and formed Watson Ferguson & Co.

In 1868 Queen Street was the only viable address for a business in Brisbane.  Watson and Ferguson established their offices in 69 Queen Street and operated their printing activities in Adelaide Street, opposite City Hall.  They were very well regarded as account book manufacturers and paper rulers.

The business traded so successfully that by 1880 Watson decided it was time to expand.  They chose a site nearly opposite 69 Queen Street which had a frontage onto Queen Street and Bumett Lane.  There, in 1882 they erected a four storey building:  the basement contained the steam litho printing and store; ground and second storey were dedicated to retail; third storey, wholesale; and fourth storey, office accommodation, letterpress, engraving, oil embossing, illumination, lithography, and tin plating.

It was only eight years later on February 28th 1890 that John Watson and his wife were sadly drowned when the ship "Quetta" sank in the Torres Strait.  Watson and his wife had been bound for a holiday to London.

Following Watson's death James Ferguson took the partnership public and decided to expand at a time when other printing companies were facing difficulties.  This expansion included more equipment and more staff.  The company grew soundly and provided a number of unique products for the Brisbane market, including The World's Smallest Dictionary, Artistic Biscuit Tins, and The Bible in a metallised container.  In 1910 the printing side of Watson Ferguson was gearing up to a new factory built for them by the South Brisbane Town Council.  The building became a landmark and employed over 200 printers.  It was regarded as the training ground for all master printers in Queensland.

However, Watson's death had a great impact on the firm.   Without Watson's know how and printing skills, the company missed his input, but was determined to provide customers with quality and cost-effectiveness.

CHECK THESE FACTS!!The business felt the effects of changes in trade and in 1914, at the outbreak of World War 1, their premises were occupied by the Defence Department.  At this time the business passed to the control of James Ferguson’s son Eric. Subsequently the Depression took its toll and dividends were withheld for a number of years.

After the Depression and with the area’s increasing population and economic development, the company established Boolarong Press to meet the growing number of authors’ needs. The company has absorbed new technologies to increase effectiveness and provide clients with a range of modern services. 

The current owners, Terry Kelly and Steve Gould, continue the founding fathers’ ethos: “we believe the company would be nothing without our own family of employees".