As the oldest barbershop in the world celebrates its 210th anniversary, Truefitt & Hill tells The BB Edit about its illustrious past – from featuring in a Dickens masterpiece to playing host to Lord Byron and Oscar Wilde
What have been the highlights over the past 210 years of business?
There are too many to list. We have been privileged to be of service to the British Royal Family since wig-making to H.M. George III and continue in this proud tradition to this very day. Our company has been mentioned in numerous masterpieces of literary giants such as Thackeray and Dickens. Our products have been brought up from the wreck of the ill-fated Titanic and our history is forever entwined with that of England as we continue to be of service to the men who have and continue to shape the history of our nation. We are also pleased to say that our success has transcended the global borders and in the recent year we have opened very successful Truefitt & Hill stores in many countries, from North America to South East Asia.
Have you had any low points over the past 210 years?
By the very nature of our exceptionally long history, we have seen many customers and members of our staff retire sometimes after many decades of custom and service respectively. This is always an exceptionally sad time for T&H. Also, our fortunes have always been closely tied to our country’s historical events, some of which have brought untold hardship and as such also affected our company and the business.
What do you think has been the main factor in Truefitt & Hill’s longstanding success?
Our success is due to continuity. We offer exceptional grooming products which have gained international reputation for unsurpassed quality and value as well as superb services expertly performed by our master barbers in an atmosphere of quiet sophistication. Our quintessentially British character and heritage has put us in good stead to take the opportunity of expanding the company abroad and offering a bespoke personal service to all gentleman around the globe, based on traditions of the past but being innovated for the future.
Can you name some of the famous people you have had through the door?
The company has played host to monarchs from the time of King George III to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, as well as many heads of governments, captains of industry and figures of the stage and arts. While we do not disclose details of our current clientele, we can tell you that in the past we have looked after Sir Winston Churchill and Field Marshall Montgomery of Alamein, while other colourful figures from the silver screen include Laurence Olivier, Fred Astaire and Stewart Granger, to name but a few. The big names of literature have also graced the salon, from Lord Byron to Oscar Wilde.
What have been your top products over the years?
As the oldest barbershop in the world, we have a unique advantage of continuous product development based on centuries of experience and the popularity of our products reflect this position. Our shaving creams are recognised as second to none, as are our fragrances, aftershave products and pre-shave products. In other words, we have superb product offering and to set out all our best-sellers would constitute a very long list.
What are you doing to celebrate this anniversary?
We shall be serving champagne and canapes to all our customers on the day.
What are the future plans for Truefitt & Hill?
To open an establishment in every major city throughout the world in the years to come.
For more information, visit Truefitt & Hill
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