The Blackfriar brand has been making its mark on the paints and varnishes industry for over one hundred years. In the 1920s Blackfriar became famed for the black paints it supplied to the motor industry for use in brake shoes for cars and heavy goods vehicles.
In 2004 Blackfriar became part of the Tor Coatings Group, cementing its position at the premium end of the paint and varnishes industry. Today the company manufactures and markets the diverse product range from its facility in County Durham, England.