W. Tatham - Bookseller, Stationer & News Agent

William Tatham commenced his bookselling and stationery business in 1873 in Brisbane Street, opposite St Paul's. In 1875 Tatham bought Thomas Pryde's book and stationery business and stock. As well as selling periodicals, books and stationery supplies the new business also sold fancy goods, toys, homeopathic medicines, Berlin wool, and silk thread.

In 1887 W. Tatham moved into new premises, still on Brisbane Street but opposite the Royal Hotel.  This was at 146 Brisbane Street. The building was newly constructed by McMillan & McGregor, and designed by Samuel Shenton. It was referred to as "Tatham's Buildings". From the early 20th century until mid-century the UFS Dispensary would be located here.

In the latter part of 1898 Tathams moved to a bigger shop opposite the School of Arts in Brisbane Street which had been previously tenanted by E. W. Hargreaves & Co.

About  1910 W. Tatham became W. Tatham & Son. William's son Benjamin Randall Tatham joined the business and carried it on after his father's death in 1921. Tathams were in business for 50 years in Ipswich so their shop and location would have been familiar to many residents. In April 1923 the McCamey family (ie W. R. McCamey & Co.) bought Tatham's.

A 1918 block map shows Tathams in Brisbane Street with F. C. Allen Chemist and J. P. O'Dea Tobacconist as co-tenants of the building. Preddeys (jeweller) was next door to the west.

William Tatham was an Ipswich identity. Not only a well known businessman, William was also a Licensing Justice, lay preacher, grammar schools trustee, and board member of Ipswich & West Moreton Permanent Benefit Building Society and Queensland Woollen Manufacturing Company. The Tatham family lived at The Palms, 12A Chelmsford Avenue and Gwennap (later St Michael's) on Chermside Road.