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| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retailer, bespoke tailoring |
| Founded | 1806; 219 years ago (1806) |
| Founder | James Poole |
| Headquarters | 15 Savile Row, postalcode W1S 3PJ, London, England |
| Key people |
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| Products | Clothing, fashion |
| Website | www.henrypoole.com |
Henry Poole & Co is a bespoke tailor located on Savile Row in London, United Kingdom. It is credited with creating the first modern-style dinner jacket, designed according to specifications provided by Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) in the 1860s. Some call the company “the founding father of Savile Row.” Its headquarters is 15 Savile Row, though they have multiple locations.
History
The business first opened in Brunswick Square in 1806, originally specializing in military tailoring, with notable achievements around the time of the Battle of Waterloo. The business relocated to Savile Row in 1846 after the death of founder James Poole. Henry Poole ran the business until his death in 1876, after which his cousin, Samuel Cundey, took over. The Cundey family legacy has continued through five generations, reaching the present-day owners, Angus Cundey and his son, Simon.
The company holds royal warrants of appointment and supplies the Lord Chamberlain’s office with court dress. Their livery department also created uniforms for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.
Origins of the tuxedo
In 1860, Henry Poole made a short evening or smoking jacket for the Prince of Wales to wear at informal dinner parties at Sandringham. In 1886, James Potter of Tuxedo Park, New York, visited London and was subsequently invited by the Prince to spend a weekend at Sandringham House. He was also advised that he could have a smoking jacket made by the Prince’s tailor, Henry Poole & Co.
When the Potters returned to New York, Potter wore his new smoking jacket at the Tuxedo Club. Fellow members quickly began having copies made for themselves, adopting it as their informal uniform for club “stag” dinners. As a result, the dinner jacket became known as a tuxedo (or tux) in America.
See also
References
- Journal, The Gentleman's. "A very brief history of the dinner jacket". www.thegentlemansjournal.com. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
- Foulkes, Nicholas (11 January 2022). "Goodbye to Gieves & Hawkes?". Financial Times. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
Further reading
- Stephen Howarth: Henry Poole: Founders of Savile Row - The Making of a Legend. Godalming: Bene Factum, 2003. ISBN 978-1-903071-06-9
External links
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51°30′40.09″N 0°8′25.9″W / 51.5111361°N 0.140528°W / 51.5111361; -0.140528
- Clothing brands of the United Kingdom
- Clothing companies of England
- Clothing retailers of England
- British suit makers
- High fashion brands
- Savile Row Bespoke Association members
- Shops in London
- Buildings and structures in the City of Westminster
- Clothing companies based in London
- British companies established in 1806
- Retail companies established in 1806
- 1806 establishments in England
- British royal warrant holders