Alexander Malcolm and Co.

ALEX. MALCOLM & Co., Mercantile Stationers, Letterpress Printers & Lithographers, 34, Ann Street, City, Glasgow, E.C., & 75, Finsbury Pavement, London, E.C.
                                            Telephone : — No. 3344.

    A leading house among the many representative undertakings which contribute to Glasgow’s commercial activity is that of Alexander Malcolm and Co., the well-known firm of letterpress printers and lithographers, whose trading operations have extended all over the United Kingdom. It is now fifteen years since this concern was founded by Mr. Alexander Malcolm, whose son, Mr, James S. Malcolm, now controls its affairs in conjunction with Mr. Robert Thomson, the only other partner of the firm. As the natural outcome of the enterprise, which has been characteristic of the house from first to last, it has rapidly assumed a high place in the branch of commerce it represents.

    The ostensible desire of the firm to anticipate correctly the general requirements of the mercantile community has been fully and amply recognised in the immense trade which has been developed, and the famous “A.B.C.” Time Tables and Diary which are issued by this firm have done much to extend and popularise the name of the house in almost every part of the country. The Time Table and Diary is a much-prized vade mecum to all classes, and, as one which is not confined to local information, it embodies a number of matters of universal interest, and is, consequently, useful under all conditions. Alexander Malcolm and Co. have manifested considerable foresight in discovering the exact requirements of the entire trade, and, while primarily and distinctly letterpress printers and lithographers, have been enabled to provide — both for the trade and the general public — everything to which their operations as high-class printers and lithographers could be effectively applied.

    Their Chromo’ Calendar work especially bears a general appearance of elegance and taste which manifests that the firm do not indulge in the production of meaningless designs, but of all classes of sound and well-finished lithography tending to please, not only the firms or houses whose orders in this line are fulfilled, but also the various adherents and patrons of each business, and to represent and convey a correct and favourable impression to customers of the style or status of the house with which they deal.

    In printing, as in lithography, Messrs. Malcolm manifest a refined taste, and elegance is also a feature in all the other kindred operations — of ruling, paging, bookbinding, or account-book making. We know of few firms who devote so much care and consideration to the wants of each individual customer, or class of customers, as Messrs. Alexander Malcolm and Co. They are represented in every city and town of importance in the United Kingdom by travellers, whose attentiveness to the interests of their clients — among many commercial and professional houses of standing — ensures the prompt and accurate fulfilment of all orders.

    During the past fifteen years of a progressive and well-supported business, the firm’s resources have been gradually increasing. From the original circumscribed premises in Oswald Street, Messrs. Alexander Malcolm removed to their present more pretentious in the City, formerly occupied by six different firms, but now by Messrs. Alexander Malcolm and Co. alone, within convenient access of the various important mercantile houses. Here the whole space is devoted to the purposes of the firm, the first floor forming the general warehouse and binding rooms, with counting house and private rooms adjoining, while the other two floors comprise the whole mechanical equipment.

    It is impossible to speak adequately within present limits of the many excellent and facile appliances of which the firm’s machinery and plant are composed. It is only necessary to say that every modern improvement is here made available for the purposes of the firm’s work, and the entire operations are sustained by a large staff of hands. All matters are regulated under the close personal supervision of the partners, who are gentlemen of thoroughly practical skill. They are highly respected throughout the trade, and relax no exertions to preserve and still further enhance the very eminent name and repute which their meritorious work and liberal transactions have alike earned.

Back to Index of Firms (1891)