Founder of Harrows Darts Colin Harris has passed away aged 70

Colin Harris, co-founder of Harrows Darts and one of the key figures behind the commercial rise of modern darts, has passed away aged 70.

Colin’s journey in darts began long before the founding of Harrows. As a teenager, he started making darts on a school lathe, selling them locally in pubs – an early sign of the hands-on ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that would define his career.

He later opened a dart shop in Enfield, North London, where he sold equipment from other brands alongside his own growing range of handcrafted darts and accessories.

In 1973, he formally established Harrows alongside his father Jack Harris and business partner Ron Woodhead. What began as a modest retail operation quickly evolved into something far more ambitious, with manufacturing taking place in a shed behind the shop, laying the foundations for what would become one of the most influential brands in the sport.

A true innovator, Colin went on to invent and develop many of the products and features now widely used by players around the world. Driven by a determination to improve quality and performance, he helped transform Harrows into a global name, supplying players at every level and exporting British-made darts to more than 100 countries.

His timing proved pivotal. The company’s rise coincided with the televised boom of darts in the 1970s and 1980s, and Colin ensured Harrows was at the forefront of that momentum. Strategic partnerships with leading players, including five-time world champion Eric Bristow, helped cement the brand’s reputation and visibility on the global stage.

As the sport evolved, so too did Harrows. The business expanded into larger premises in Hertfordshire and diversified into new product categories, including soft-tip darts, reflecting the growing internationalisation of the game. Colin’s focus on innovation, craftsmanship and player insight helped shape not just a company, but the standards of an entire industry.

Even as the business matured, Colin remained closely connected to its direction. When Harrows was sold in 2021, the transition was carefully managed to ensure continuity for staff, customers and the wider darts community, reflecting the long-term vision he had embedded in the business.

Managing Director Damian Ara said: “Colin was a true pioneer of the darts industry and the driving force behind Harrows. His passion, innovation and commitment to quality helped shape the modern game as we know it today. Everyone at Harrows owes a huge debt to his vision and determination, and he will be greatly missed.”

Those who knew Colin describe him as having an instinctive understanding of both the product and the player – combining technical curiosity with a deep-rooted passion for the sport. His influence extended far beyond manufacturing, contributing to the professionalisation and global growth of darts during a transformative period in its history.

Colin Harris leaves behind a lasting legacy in darts: one built not only through a globally recognised brand, but through a lifetime spent helping to elevate the game itself.