As Truefitt & Hill marks its 217th Birthday this month, the grand connoisseur of the male grooming world and pioneer in the arena of barbering, the company has its sights firmly fixed towards the future. We have exciting news on the horizon, with new product lines and a celebratory Cologne that pays tribute to one of our most respected patrons.
Walking through our hallowed doors at 71 St. James’s, customers frequently comment on the smell that surrounds them: a mix of the traditional and the new, of heritage, nostalgia and delights they have yet to discover.
The experience of the smell, for example of West Indian Limes or our Trafalgar Cologne, frequently sparks a vivid memory, a reminder of a grandfather, father, friend or mentor. This often generates conversation between client and barber. As French novelist Marcel Proust said, ‘the smell and taste of things remain poised a long time, like souls, ready to remind us.’
Pre-dating all other existing institutions of a similar ilk, our scent story began on the eve of the Battle of Trafalgar, when in 1805, one William Francis Truefitt opened shop at 2 Cross Lane, Long Acre, London. So meteoric was his rise, that he was soon appointed ‘Court Wigmaker,’ ‘Court Hair Cutter’ and ‘Court Hair Dresser’ to H.M. King George III. The rest, as they say, is history.
Therefore, with the theme of reminiscence, and as a toast to our loyal Truefitt & Hill customers, we would like to return favour with the gift of a Trafalgar Shaving Cream Tube on the purchase of £95 on any of our shaving products.