Thomas Crowther & Son were established as stone masons in the late 19th century. The early 20th century trade directories (1900-1906) list 'T. Crowther' as a 'mason' at 86 Estcourt Street, London, but by 1907 T. Crowther was listed under antique dealers in the trade directories. Thomas Crowther died in 1921, around the time the the business acquired Syon Lodge in West London. During WWII Crowthers acquired contracts to build Anderson Shelters and pulley blocks for the Royal Navy. At this time they were based at 282 North End Road, Fulham. In 1992 a large auction was held at Christie's to rationalise stock; this coincided with the retirement of two directors and the property at the North End Road was developed into housing. A part of the Crowther archive was acquired by Fulham library from a second hand book stall.
Their clients ranged from aristocratic private individuals (eg Lady Rothschild, Lord Londonderry) to large companies (eg French Portland Cement co, British Nylon Spinners) to dealers (eg Blairman, Charles Lumb, Frank Partridge) to film studios (eg Warner Brothers, Ealing Studios) to shops (eg Liberty, Harrods).
Albert (Bert) Crowther, the grandson of Thomas Crowther, left the firm in 1943 to found his own business, 'Crowther of Syon Lodge', the well-known architectural and garden antique dealers (closed in 2002). T. Crowther & Sons continued under the direction of Richard, Thomas and Michael Crowther; the business closed in 1992.