Jas Shoolbred & Co.
Founded in the 1820s on Tottenham Court Road in London, James Shoolbred & Co. began as a drapery business catering to the furnishing trade. By the 1870s, the company evolved into a respected manufacturer and retailer of fine furniture, producing original designs that reflected Regency influences and classical Greek and Roman styles.
Known for its elegance and craftsmanship, Shoolbred’s furniture was marketed through beautifully illustrated catalogues that offered Victorian households curated room settings and advice on achieving refined interiors—essentially early guides to tasteful home design.
In the 1880s, Shoolbred opened one of London’s first major department stores and was later awarded a Royal Warrant, underscoring the prestige of its work. The firm remained a notable presence in British design until its closure in 1931.
