Dawsons AV: Four Generations of Excellence

A vintage black-and-white photo of an old-fashioned reception area with a curved counter, chairs, and a man in a suit standing near the counter holding a paper.

Longest standing family-run Audio Visual company in the UK

Our heritage is undeniable.

Having started life in 1927 selling gramophones and radios, Dawsons – now under the ownership of the fourth family generation – is celebrating a major milestone.

The Westbourne retailer is the UK’s oldest Bang & Olufsen dealership, and this year it marks 60 years in partnership with the world-famous audiovisual brand.

Founder George Dawson soon handed the reins to his son Cyril, who ushered in black-and-white TVs and radiograms, before Peter Dawson – father to current owner Kevin – began selling the first Bang & Olufsen products in 1964.

Peter Dawson and Kevin Dawson, father and son of the Bang & Olufsen and Dawsons AV partnership era of the store in Westbourne.

Peter & Kevin Dawson

Kevin Dawson, 4th Gen Owner

Kevin joined the business in 1980 and focused initially on installations, travelling from client to client in the Ford Escort van his father had bought for him.

“At Dawsons, we’re proud of our audiovisual heritage,” said Kevin.

“It gives me so much pleasure to look back at the history that we’ve been a part of and created here in Westbourne.

“It’s such a special milestone – we must be the longest standing family-run audiovisual company that still enjoys giving the absolute best customer experience to every single person that walks through our front door.

“Even in our digital landscape, you cannot beat the personal experience of walking into the showroom and being treated like a real human being.”

Article on George Dawson selling portable radios in 1927. Showing the heritage of Dawsons AV in the Audio Visual Market.
A young man in a gray suit and red striped tie standing next to a small vintage green station wagon with wooden details on a city street.
Dawsons AV the longest standing family run audio visual shop. First opened in 1927 and supplying locals in Westbourne with a range of products from radios to televisions.
Photo of Dawsons AV store early into the partnership with Bang & Olufsen. Dawsons was the first store in the UK to sell Bang & Olufsen products in the heart of Westbourne.