Athletics was another passion.
Kent Kirby, for many years a major figure at Walsall saddlery firm Jabez Cliff & Company - makers of Cliff Barnsby saddles, has died after a long illness. He was 76.
Kent was born in June 1949 in Sutton Coldfield and was educated at a boarding school on Cannock Chase. Here, he played junior rugby football for Staffordshire under 15s and was also an accomplished athlete.
On leaving school, Kent went to work in the family saddlery business, Jabez Cliff & Company, which was already a well-known international brand.
His grandfather, Sir Cliff-Tibbits, who was then running the company, sent a 19-year-old Kent to Germany, primarily to learn the language. However, when his talent for rugby was spotted, Kent was chosen for the West German national team.
Kent loved athletics as a middle-distance runner and was a member of the famous Birmingham based athletics club, Birchfield Harriers.
On one occasion, he became Warwickshire pole vault champion by clearing over nine feet. Although afterwards he pointed out that he was the only person to enter the competition.
Contribution to the saddlery industry
Jabez Cliff & Company, founded in 1793, was for many years a major saddlery company, based in Walsall and with a fine reputation around the world.
Kent played a major role in upholding that reputation as he travelled extensively to maintain the company’s position. He visited overseas clients as well as attending many trade fairs.
With Kent’s help, Cliff Barnsby & Company worked on a large scale with commercial saddlery and leather goods businesses throughout the world, as well as mounted military establishments including The Household Cavalry and The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
In addition to saddlery, the firm made a variety of leather related products including a patented leather football, cricket balls, golf bags and numerous others.
Saddlery and harness were supplied to various police mounted units and Cliff Barnsby & Company even made mule harnesses used by the British Army in the Falklands War.
Best efforts
Many people in the saddlery industry will know that it is very hard to promote and sell saddlery from Walsall around the world, especially considering the massive international competition that prevails.
Kent had the added responsibility of sustaining and protecting the reputation of one of the most famous companies ever to exist in British saddlery manufacture. He did this by always giving the role his best efforts.
Livery Company service
Kent was a long-standing Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Saddlers.
Kent made many friends in the saddlery and equestrian industries in the UK and abroad. He will be sadly missed and remembered by all who knew him in the Walsall saddlery industry and, of course, by the members of his own and his wider family.
With thanks to Mike Williams
