Howard Penman

HOWARD PENMAN, The City of Glasgow China Warehouse, 161 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow

    There is no branch of industrial activity which more fully demonstrates the marked advance in the development of art than that of the potter's craft, which has within the past half-century made such gigantic strides towards perfection in grace of outline and detail, and has, in the hands of our leading makers, invested the commonest article of daily use with a beauty of design quite undreamt of by our forefathers.

    An apt illustration of this acknowledged development in ceramic excellence is afforded by a visit of inspection to the well-known establishment of Mr. Howard Penman, proprietor of the City of Glasgow China Warehouse, 161 Sauchiehall Street, which contains an immense variety of every description of the highest class examples of art productions, bearing convincing evidence of the correctness of our prefatory remarks. The business is of very old standing in the commercial world, having been founded as far back as 1857 by Mr. David Penman, who was subsequently joined by his son, trading under the style of Messrs. David Penman and Son. The title was afterwards altered to Messrs. Penman and Patrick, and finally the undertaking was acquired by the present sole proprietor, Mr. Howard Penman. The premises occupied by this gentleman comprise the handsome block of buildings situated in the best part of this leading thoroughfare, with spacious showrooms, elegantly appointed throughout, and possessing an extensive window frontage, dressed with attractive taste and displaying to effective advantage the beautiful selection of goods submitted for inspection.

    The exigencies of space will not permit more than a brief resumé of the comprehensive stock exhibited at the establishment, which includes amongst its leading specialities Fine China Tea Sets in Worcester China, Crown Derby, Wedgwood, Fine French China, and all the best makers ; Toilet Sets in all the newest and prettiest patterns, complete sets of Table Crystal in the favourite “Grecian” pattern, Plain Crystal Tumblers and Wine Glasses, the “Hygienic” Tea Pot, with removable tea brewer to prevent the infusion of “tannin” ; and the “Anti-tannin” Tea Infuser, for making a single cup of tea without tannin ; Oval Crystal Fruit Dishes, Cheese Stands, fluted shape in ivory gilt ; pretty and tasteful Afternoon Tea Sets, Penman's Two Guinea Dinner Sets, with gilt covered dishes made by Wedgwood and other makers, a marvel of cheapness ; Rose Fairy Lamps, Rose Menu Holders, and a great variety of articles of a useful and ornamental character at the most moderate prices. Special attention is directed by the proprietor to the hotel furnishing department, for which the immense resources of the establishment are admirably adapted, and in which orders of any magnitude receive the promptest consideration.

    A branch establishment has been opened  by Mr. Penman at 11, Rokeby Terrace, Hillhead, which offers to its patrons a similar variety of selection to that displayed at the central warehouse, the whole arrangement of the management in the hands of the enterprising proprietor evidencing the perfection of order, system, and thoroughly efficient organisation. An extensive and influential clientele has been established by this gentleman, who numbers amongst his patrons the leading gentry in the City and the surrounding districts and the substantial and every-increasing support of the general public. An adequate staff of courteous and attentive assistants is employed in the various departments of the business, under the personal supervision of the principal, whose unremitting efforts are directed to maintaining the prestige which this house has so deservedly enjoyed for so many years past.

    In conclusion, we may remind our readers that Mr. Penman recently published a most attractive and interesting brochure under the title of “The Story of the Willow Pattern Plate”, giving a translation of the drawings on that familiar piece of ware in such concise language, that all may fully understand what has no doubt puzzled most of the present as well as the past generations to discover the meaning (if any) of that time-honoured design. We can confidently recommend this quaintly told story to the attention of our readers.

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