CENTURY-OLD FIRMS

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 169, 13 April 1932, Page 16

CENTURY-OLD FIRMS

Exhibition in London romance of industry The trade exhibition of century-old British firms, to be held in London in May, will aim at showing the vitality and adaptability of British commercial undertakings over a long period. Something of the romance of industry will be set forth in a series of contrasts. There will be evidence of the changes in customs, methods, fashions, and qualities. Many of the attendants will be in costume and the exhibition approach will be made to represent a Tudor street. . . The work of organising the exhibition has revealed a much larger number of century-old firms than was expected. The organisers are in communication with some 1700 and the Master of Sempill expressed the belief that a largo proportion of them would welcome the opportunity of taking part. They are spread all over the country. Some will come from as far away as Paisley and Dundee. The industries to be represented are also of many kinds. Great industries like heavy textiles, iron and steel, mining, and shipping afford fine material to demonstrate the progress of 100 years. Many firms in lesser trades are likely to provide equally interesting displays. Already such industries as hat making, paper-making, glove-making, and the making of artificial limbs have promised to take part. There will be jewellers, leather workers, tea merchants, brick-makers, booksellers, brewers, cutlers, wine merchants, and makers of underwear to compare the continuity of human needs with changes in taste and fashion. The nature of the exhibits has not, in most eases, beeu determined, but it is intended throughout the exhibition to maintain an atmosphere of contrast and to develop at the same time something of the change in marketing methods. The firm which 100 years ago needed no intricate sales organisation will here be able to show how modern conditions have demanded a highly developed system of distribution alongside the primary purpose of production. One of the exhibitors will he an advertising business established over 100 years ago. Its contrasts will be unusually striking. It Is an interesting fact also that the exhibition stands will be erected and decorated by a London firm of stand fitters which belongs to this company of century-old firms. The exhibition, It is felt, will strengthen and encourage the “buy British” movement by creating a national pride in those industries of long standing wliich can show how they have moved with the times and yet preserved solid traditions. But this is not. to be a selling exhibition. Samples will no doubt be .shown and orders will he booked. The exhibition Is intended to attract the general public and to stimulate interest in British products among the actual consumers.