Varnish company, established in 1896.

Miles Road

1949 ad from Grace’s Guide

In the 1913 directory, Wilfred DODWELL and William SMEE are listed as varnish manufacturers, with referral to the entry for Norman Smee & Dodwell in Miles Lane.

MANUFACTURERS OF HIGH-CLASS VARNISHES for Coach Builders and Decorators, Railway Carriage and Locomotive Builders, and Ship Builders.

Special insulating Varnishes for electrical Purposes

Offices and Factory : MILES LANE, MITCHAM, SURREY.

Text of ad from Wireless World May 1918 (pdf)

From the Military Service Tribunals:
Mitcham & Tooting Mercury, 20th April, 1917
SURREY APPEAL TRIBUNAL.

Mitcham Cases.

R. P. Dodwell, 31, single, varnish and paint manufacturer, works manager and chemist, whose case had been adjourned for medical examination, had been classified B1. It was claimed that it would be impossible to carry out orders, which were chiefly for war purposes, without his special knowledge. Twelve months ago he was given total exemption, and the Military Representative now appealed.

A further two months’ exemption was granted, and not final.

From the Croydon Times – Saturday 01 July 1944

MR. HERBERT SMEE

A director of Messrs. Norman. Smee and Dodwell, paint manufacturers, of Mitcham, Mr. Herbert Smee, of St. Augustine’s-avenue, South Croydon. has been killed by enemy action. Aged 57, Mr Smee had lived in the district for eighteen years. He leaves a widow and a daughter. The funeral was at Croydon Crematorium on Tuesday.

According to the Commonwealth War Grave Commission, he was husband of Hilda Louise Smee, of 41 St. Augustine Avenue, South Croydon. Died at London Road. He was an Air Raid Warden.

According to the 1961 Kelly’s directory, the company had moved to Croydon:

NORMAN, SMEE & DODWELL LTD
Union road, Croydon, Surrey
T N THOrnton Heath 8355;
Grams, “Decor. Croydon”; estab. 1896