Looks of London: Exploring 80 Years of the Fashion Industry

Image of a map of the fashion businesses discussed in this exhibit.

                                                  Went to town at 11 o’clock.  Shops looked very attractive.- Milly Harris, February 1, 1897

Early London retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers offered an impressive selection of the latest fashions. Beginning with H. Beaton Clothing and Furrier in the 1870s and ending with local shoe company Rowland Hill in the 1950s, this exhibit walks through a selection of businesses in the London fashion industry between 1870 and 1950.

These companies, which were hallmarks of London, Ontario, were frequented by the thousands of people living in the Forest City, like the Harris Family. While it can be hard to discern all the places the Harris’ shopped, they did know of all the retailers featured in this exhibit and were likely customers of several.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.