The City Joinery, Arthur Foote Ltd.

After arriving in Ipswich from England (1889), Arthur went to work for Hancock Brothers timber yard as a journeyman. He remained there until 1898, when he established his own joinery business with his son Loftus in a small shed on Bremer Street. However, shortly after opening in 1904 a fire consumed the joinery causing severe damage not only to Mr Foote’s joinery but also to several surrounding businesses. Hancock’s Sawmill generously offered Arthur space at their business so that he could continue to operate and fill orders. 

In 1905 Foote's Joinery was relocated to Lowry Street, North Ipswich. It was known as The City Joinery, Arthur Foote Ltd., and sometimes referred to as Ipswich City Joinery.

In 1914 having established the business Mr Foote entered into a partnership with his four sons: Arthur, Loftus, Walter and Fred.  By 1916 the business had approximately 50 employees and was especially known for their fine joinery work on shop fronts, show cases, doors, french casements, mouldings, quality furniture and ornate arches, using timber such as silky oak, maple and pine. 

Foote's was responsible for the pews and sanctuary furnishings of many Methodist Churches in south-east Queensland. They also contributed to several public facilities including the Treasury Dept building in Brisbane, Esk Court House and tram bodies for the Brisbane Tramway Department. Foote's Joinery supplied joinery or furniture for the following buildings in Ipswich and many others : Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall, Messrs. F.W. Johnson & Sons premises erected in 1922, Australian Bank of Commerce located on the corner of Brisbane & Bell Streets, North Ipswich Park Band Rotunda. 

Loftus Foote took over and expanded the family business after the death of this father.

Arthur’s descendants maintained the family business until 1972.

Arthur Foote built his own fine home at 100 Chermside Road, East Ipswich. It is heritage listed.