Bourne & Hollingsworth was a high-end London department store. It was founded by two brothers-in-law in 1894, starting as a drapers shop in Westbourne Grove, selling drapery goods, laces, ribbons, gloves and millinery. In 1902 they moved to Oxford Street, and over the years expanded the premises and their range of goods into a large department store. Although having some general departments, they always catered predominately to women, including women’s and children’s clothing, fashion accessories and haberdashery. Bourne & Hollingsworth were known for the quality of their merchandise. The Oxford Street store closed in 1984.
In the early 1900s they had a branch in Croydon for a short time, and another in Southampton between 1959 and 1979.
Note that today there is an unconnected events and entertainment company called Bourne & Hollingsworth (so named because a director’s mother used to work in the store).
Written by Retro Ruth
from a c. 1922 silk and lame dress
Courtesy of jasminkey
from a late 1940s suit
Courtesy of Retro Ruth
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