Lennon Limited was a chemist and druggist located on Selbourne Avenue and Fife Street, Bulawayo. In 1894 they became the first commercial pharmacy in Bulawayo. On 29th December, 1898, Lennon Limited became a registered company.
The business was started by Barry Grey Lennon, an Irish chemist and nephew of the Governor of Cape of Good Hope, Sir George Grey, settled in Cape of Good Hope on suggestion of his uncle. In 1850 he opened a chemist and druggist in Port Elizabeth as B. G. Lennon and Co. Ltd. Their business interests soon extended to Matabeleland (Bulawayo) and Mashonaland (Salisbury) to cater for the expected influx of settlers into those new territories.
The Bulawayo branch of Lennon Limited opened in 1894 on the corner of Fife Street and Sixth Avenue. New premises were acquired in Selborne Avenue in 1902. Lennon’s, as part of their business, promoted the sale of photographic goods for their customers including postcards.
By 1930, the business had become the largest pharmaceutical business in the southern hemisphere. During the 1950-60’s, it was one of a number of pharmaceutical companies that amalgamated in an effort to consolidate the pharmaceutical industry
Reference
- Chemist And Druggist, May 1915
- Directory of Bulawayo and Handbook to Matabeleland 1895-1896 – Alexander Davis
- Journal of the Rhodesian Study Circle No.242
- Pharmaceutical Society of Zimbabwe
- www.aspenholdings.com