James Thomson and Son

MESSRS. JAMES THOMSON & SON, Clothiers, 84 and 86, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow.

    Among those old and influential Glasgow houses that have so well sustained the dignity and importance of the City’s high-class clothing trade, that of Messrs. James Thomson and Son possesses an especial eminence both by reason of the highly respectable character of its connections and the simple historic fact that it is the oldest representative of this branch of commerce at present existing in the Scottish capital. It was inaugurated at the time of the Georges, and during the greater part of a century and a half it has formed a leading and pioneer centre of the trade it represents, and has been prominently associated with all the fashionable innovations and developments that have taken place within the course of that lengthy period. At the time of the Second Jacobite Rebellion the establishment came under the depredations of the Highlanders, and its then valuable stocks of clothing were made subjects of the general plunder that followed Prince Charlie’s unwelcome visit to Glasgow.

    For many years the house was known under the firm title of Messrs. Ewing and Wingate, but since so far back as 1857 it has been identified by the present name, and the firm bear that standing and repute in City commerce which, considering the antiquity and unimpeachable prestige of the business, it would be impossible to displace. All the characteristics of the high-class tailoring emporia of the present day are fully embodied in the fitting and appointment of the St. Vincent Street house, where every detail is in full accordance with the essentials of elegance and good taste.

    The immense variety of materials submitted affords due insight into the resources of the firm, which enable them to offer a range of choice that is altogether unexampled. They deal in no fabrics but the finest that can be obtained, and their productions consequently embody every desirable qualification of durability and excellence. With the aid of a staff of tailors, whose skilful workmanship has greatly tended to enhance the renown of the house, the firm make up everything that comes within the scope of the high-class clothing and outfitting trade.

    They operate under special appointment as robe makers to the University, while their pulpit gowns possess a celebrity that is not of yesterday’s origin. They have attained premier distinction in the making-up of ladies’ riding-habits, military and naval uniforms, liveries, and costumes, and in every branch of ladies’ and gentlemen’s tailoring they illustrate the prevalent styles and fashions of each season with the exactitude, finish, and completeness to be expected of a firm who are accredited exponents of the sartorial art. Favoured by the support of long-established connections, among whom are included many town and county families of importance, Messrs. Thomson devote to the control of their business due tact and attentiveness. Their liberality is indicated in the fact that everything is charged for at the most reasonable prices consistent with the high standard of excellence maintained ; and as a firm whose honourable standing is preserved by the constant observance of consideration for the requirements of an aristocratic clientele, Messrs. James Thomson and Son hold a commercial position of which they cannot be dispossessed by any of the modern aspects of clothing trade competition.

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