B&Q was founded in March 1969 in Southampton, England, by Richard Block and David Quayle, following the purchase and fitting out of a former furniture warehouse in the Southampton suburb of Portswood. Originally called Block & Quayle, the duo soon shortened the brand to B&Q as stock delivery notes and invoices were already unofficially abbreviating the name. By each working over sixty hour, six day weeks, they were able to repay their bank overdraft within six months of opening, with turnover reaching £1million within the first five years of operating. Following the departure of co founder Block in 1976, the chain
Anthony Quayle starred in the 1981 miniseries "Masada" as Rubrius Gallius. Also he narrated the miniseries "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" in 1970, and the acclaimed aviation documentary series "Reaching for the Skies". In 1984 he founded Compass Theatre Company, that he inaugurated with a tour of "The Clandestine Marriage", directing and playing the part of Lord Ogleby. This production had a run at the Albery Theatre, London. With the same company he subsequently toured with a number of other plays, including "Saint Joan", "Dandy Dick" and "King Lear" with himself in the title role. Quayle was appointed a Commander of