Over 100 years ago, John Henderson Findlay (the 'd' in 'Findlay' was later dropped) ran a very successful painting, decorating, sign writing and gilding business in Blyth. In 1931 he opened another branch in Whitley Bay which his son Jack ran.

In 1936, Jack Finlay then branched out on his own, opening his first decorating shop on Front Street, Tynemouth, and later a second branch in Park View, Whitley Bay, selling wallpaper, paint, decorating tools and basket ware. His decorating service proved so popular he was employing over 35 staff to decorate the homes and businesses of the area. When Jack died in 1985, his eldest son Don continued to run the decorating side of the business until he retired, while his youngest son Michael ran the shop, which he still does to this day.