CENTURY-OLD FIRMS

Evening Star, Issue 21090, 30 April 1932, Page 22

CENTURY-OLD FIRMS

EXHIBITION IN LONDON Tho trade exhibition of century-old British firms, to bo hold 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 bo set forth in a scries of contrasts. There will he evidence of the changes in customs, methods, fashions, and qualities Many of the attendants will be in costume, and tiio exhibition approach will he made to represent a Tudor street. Tile work of orgauisting the exhibition lias revealed a much larger number of cen-tury-old linns Ilian was expected. The organisers, are in communication with some 1,700, and the Master of Scmpill expressed (he belief that a large proportion of them would welcome the opportunity of taking purl. They arc spread all over the country. Some will como from as far away as Paisley and Dundee. The industries to be represented arc 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, 'dove 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 with continuity of human needs with changes in taste and fashion. The nature of the exhibits has not, in most cases, been 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 be 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 centuryold firms. The exhibition, it is felt, will sirongthen and encourage the “Buy British ” movement by creating a national pride in those industries of long standing which 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 be booked. The exhibition is intended to attract the general public and to stimulate interest in British products among Hie actual consumers.