Beauty
March 11, 2015
The History of the World's Oldest Barbershop (Part 3: The 21st Century)
THE STORY OF TRUEFITT&HILL
The History of the World's Oldest Barbershop (Part 3: The 21st Century)
A Congratulatory Message from the Duke of Edinburgh on Our 200th Anniversary
The history of Truefitt & Hill, the world's oldest barbershop, began in 1805. This third installment of Truefitt & Hill's illustrious history, marking its official introduction to Japan, focuses on the 200th anniversary in the 21st century.
A Gentleman's Who's Who
It is no exaggeration to say that Truefitt & Hill's customer ledgers read like a veritable who's who of gentlemen.
From gentlemen of the British Royal Family to members of European royalty, Tsar Nicholas of Russia, King Michael of Romania, and other prominent politicians and military figures, including W. Gladstone, the Duke of Wellington, Winston Churchill, General Montgomery, and Francis Chichester, who completed the first solo circumnavigation by yacht.
Great writers, artists, and screen stars also grace these pages: Dickens, Thackeray, Oscar Wilde, Byron, Hitchcock, Arthur Bliss, Michael Redgrave, Laurence Olivier, Danny Kaye, Richardson, Jack Hawkins, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Stewart Granger, Fred Astaire, Cary Grant, and Beau Brummell, a dandy who left an indelible mark on the history of men's fashion, were all Truefitt & Hill customers, with records showing frequent visits to the shop.
Nubar Gulbenkian, renowned as the world's wealthiest man, was also a Truefitt customer, and his arrival in a magnificent carriage drew considerable attention.
Cary Grant
Frank Sinatra
While the number of royal clients from Europe remains significant today, information about them, like that of many long-established businesses, is not publicly disclosed. Among the current barbers, some have been with the company for over 50 years, offering a sense of security unique to a venerable establishment. The combined careers of the six resident barbers total 200 years; however, the team includes not only seasoned barbers with traditional expertise but also younger professionals skilled in modern styles to cater to contemporary clients.
In 1995, a party was held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of visits by long-time customer Donald Chisson. Chisson, a former captain in the British Army's tank corps, arrived that day by horse-drawn carriage and, after a toast with champagne, received the same service as he had on his very first visit to Truefitt & Hill. Incidentally, when Mr. Chisson first visited Truefitt & Hill, the barber, Alfred Fogate, was merely a 13-year-old apprentice.
Fogate, who served Truefitt for the next 70 years, treasured most a book compiling the history of the barbershop. This highly valuable document bears the signature of Avery Jones, president of the Company of Master Barbers, along with the message, "From Master Barber to Star Barber."
Recognized by Guinness World Records as the World's Oldest Barbershop
Following its success in Chicago, Truefitt & Hill opened a branch in Toronto, Canada, at the Scotch 'n' Soda Plaza in August 1999. It gained fans in the American market, and the Las Vegas store opened on December 21, 2004. Hollywood celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio joined the clientele. Concurrently, Truefitt & Hill's grooming products began to be sold in department stores like Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman.
On October 27, 2005, a party celebrating the company's 200th anniversary was held at the Carlton Club in St. James's, attended by long-standing customers, including the Duke of Edinburgh and members of the Royal Family.
As a commemorative plaque was unveiled, the Duke of Edinburgh delivered a congratulatory speech, expressing his joy at seeing so many familiar faces. He concluded his remarks by wishing Truefitt & Hill further success and declaring his continued patronage. With a touch of humor, he added, "But as my hair is thinning, I may not be needed for much longer," drawing laughter from the audience.
In 2000, Truefitt & Hill was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest barbershop and was featured in Gault & Millau's "The Best of London" as Best Hairdresser, in addition to numerous other media mentions worldwide.
Towards the Next 200 Years...
From the 200th Anniversary Party
The story recounted here is but a single chapter in the profound history of Truefitt & Hill. The legacy of T&H is deep and vast.
However, one thing is certain: Truefitt & Hill has always been the mark of a true gentleman, and this ethos will remain unwavering for the next 200 years.
