E. C. Osborne became a well known and respected figure in the Birmingham business and political world serving as an Alderman of the 'Borough of Birmingham' from 1862-82 in which capacity he was particularly involved in the provision of Free Library Services throughout Birmingham. He was also a Justice of the Peace. Edward Osborne died in 1886 at his home at 35, Frederick Road, Edgbaston.
In 1914 'E. C. Osborne' became a Limited Company and in 1918 the family sold out to Herbert Wynn, then the Manager of well known Birmingham stationers, 'Popes'. The firm prospered upto the commencement of the 2nd World War including moving into greetings cards. Based at 6, St. Paul's Square and with a branch in Ethel Street, E. C. Osborne even in those days had a thriving 'own-label' product range.
As for so many businesses, the war was a disaster with St. Paul's Square being destroyed by bombs. A move to Moor Street was not particularly successful and in the 1950's E. C. Osborne Ltd. relocated to the suburbs (Sparkbrook) and operated as a traditional commercial printer/stationer under the ownership of the Wynn family.
In 1970, with bankruptcy looming, E. C. Osborne Ltd. was acquired by Tony and Judy Phillips and 'Cash and Carry Stationery Supermarket' selling was pioneered in the U.K.
By 1980, E. C. Osborne Ltd. comprised a chain of 10 'Stationery Supermarkets' supported by a wholesale warehouse operation in Hockley, North Birmingham.
By 1990, the chain of shops had expanded to 15 with the Head Office/Central Warehouse now located in Hay Mills, East Birmingham. The 20,000 square foot building in Hay Mills housed subsidiary companies PLG Distributors (wholesale stationery), Killeen and Bannister (clearance stationery), and The Birmingham Boxfile Company (filing manufacturers).
The 90's were a decade of great change for most businesses including 'Osbornes'. More new branches were opened and the manufacturing division sold off to a bigger competitor. In 1996 a complete 're-image' was undertaken with the company name being changed to 'Osborne Office Stationers' and all the stores were refitted.
The most important change however was the increase in the product offering from just office products as the company became more of a 'High Street' stationer. Art and Craft, a much bigger writing instrument range, printer cartridges, colour copying and more colourful products generally were all added.
Also of significance in the 90's was the retirement of the older generation of company Directors. Firstly Jim Gray (Finance) in 1990, then Tony Phillips in 1994 and finally Mike Leech (Operations) in 1999 (PLG).
The early years of the new millennium have seen a further widening of the product range especially in relation to 'craft' and in 2006 the company became simply 'Osborne Stationers'.