Marshall & Snelgrove - 100 years of luxury

Marshall and Snelgrove advertisement 

Marshall & Snelgrove enjoyed a superb reputation as high-end retailers for over 100 years. James Marshall had opened a shop at 11 Vere Street in 1837, and in 1848 on the retirement of his business partner he was joined by John Snelgrove  (a former assistant in the shop), and the firm's name was changed to Marshall & Snelgrove. The article above dates from 1884 and advertises costumes, mantles, furs, lace and gloves.

Following rapid success, the business expanded and Marshall & Snelgrove took over grand new premises at 334 - 348 Oxford Street in 1851. James Marshall retired in 1871 and his son James C Marshall took over his share, helping to expand the business further by opening stores in fashionable resorts such as Harrogate and Scarborough to encourage their customers to shop whilst on holiday.

The First World War and its vast impact on deparment stores (especially those selling luxury goods) prompted a merger with Debenham and Freebody in 1916, which became a full merger in 1919 although both companies retained their separate identities -  the ownership of this prestigious store was more a status symbol for Debenhams than a financial move.

Marshall and Snelgrove 1920s dresses 

Marshall and Snelgrove dresses circa 1927. Left to right: jumper suit, coat frock, young matron's gown, dainty lace gown and dance frock. All made in crepe de chine or georgette.

James C Marshall was President of the Linen and Woollen Drapers' Institution for approaching 40 years till his death in 1925 at the age of 95. The firm continued to remain in family hands and more stores opened in cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and York selling luxury goods to the rich middle classes of the industrial towns and cities.

In the 1960s some branches were closed following changing lifestyles and fashions, and their flagship Oxford Street store was demolished and completely rebuilt between 1973 and 1975, when they re-opened under new management as Debenhams after a full take-over in 1974. The remaining Marshall and Snelgrove stores also became Debenhams.

Above: 1920s black chiffon and lace cocktail dress and label  from Marshall & Snelgrove







 

23 comments

  • If anyone visited the Leeds store and would be interested in talking to me about the experience – I am doing a project on it and would be so grateful! Please email me.

    Phoebe
  • I loved Marshall & Snelgrove, but also seem to recall another “posh” department store in Birmingham (not Rackhams). Does anyone remember the name of it?

    Ingrid Ryder
  • Used to go in the Harrogate and Scarborough stores regularly and remember Debenhams as Debenham and Freebody
    As l remember the Harrogate store had a ladies hairdresser department which l went to1q

    Janice Anne Rosemary Rushforth-Lee
  • I was a management trainee in Marshall and snelgrove Leeds from 1969 to 1971. I worked in the millinery department under Mrs brooks. She was very proud that she lived in Harrogate and her son was a producer on the original film of far from the madding crowd. She was also a real tarter !

    Gill Sanders nee moore
  • I worked at Marshall and Snelgrove Birmingham in the late ’60’s.
    I worked in model coats with Miss Davenport as the buyer. Janet from Doncaster then Miss Etches in model dresses. It was a lovely place to work with a family feeling.

    Ruth McDonald

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