Bowers & Wilkins: A history of loudspeaker innovation

Founded by John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while serving in the Royal Corps of Signals, Bowers & Wilkins began as a radio shop in Worthing, England. The company transitioned into loudspeaker design in 1966, launching its first model, the P1, in 1967 using drivers from EMI and Celestion.

The manufacturer established a reputation for measurable performance by providing measurement reports with every pair of loudspeakers sold. In 1977, the company introduced the DM7, which featured a separately mounted tweeter, a design element that remains a signature of the brand. A significant milestone occurred in 1979 when Abbey Road Studios adopted the 801 model, initiating a long-standing partnership.

During the 1980s, the company focused on active crossover networks and internal cabinet resonance. Engineer Lawrence Dickie developed the Matrix construction, a complex internal bracing system designed to combat resonances. This technology was first introduced in the Matrix series and has been utilized in refined forms within the 800 Series since 1987.