Alex has spent a lifetime in the sewing industry and is considered one of the foremost experts of pioneering machines and their inventors. He has written extensively for trade magazines, radio, television, books and publications world wide.

Very few people realise that the grand store of Harrods sold just about everything that one needs including the humble sewing machine. I love the phone number at the bottom of the advert, Kensington 542.

Also Harrods had 10 sewing departments from suits to skirts, milliners to blouses. If you had the money Harrods would fit out your wardrobe in style.

I picked up this rare instruction cover from an old customer who had it in her drawer.

Harrods

Pre 1914 Frister & Rossmann had a reputation for the finest sewing machines and Harrods would only stock the best. Of course after 1919 no one bought German goods so Frister & Rossmann lost there best clients, such is life.

I have a in-depth history of Frister & Rossmann for your perusal.

The other sewing machine that Harrods famously sold was the enigmatic Art deco Ideal Sewing Machine.

In 1917 Harrods had already planned to drop Frister & Rossmann machines and replace them with the new Vickers sewing machine. The Vickers sewing machine retailed in 1917 at Harrods for £4. Four weeks average wages

I know for a fact the Harrods sold just about everything including the kitchen sink for I have a Victorian water hand-pump in my garden from them. You know the type you see in the old western, outside the stage-coach shack with they kid pumping water just before someone turns up, usually Indians!

Fancy a funny read: Ena Wilf  & The One-Armed Machinist

A brilliant slice of 1940's life: Spies & Spitfires

Alex's stories are now available to keep. Click on the picture for more information.

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