Patrick Thomson's department store, originally a small shop selling haberdashers, lace and ribbons, was established in 1889. From 1906, the store was at 15 North Bridge, Edinburgh, expanding to become one of the largest department stores in Edinburgh. In 1926, the business, by then called Patrick Thomson Ltd, was acquired by the Scottish Drapery Corporation Ltd, and in 1952, Glasgow-based House of Fraser bought the business. Despite this, the store continued trading as Patrick Thomson Ltd until 1976 when the name was changed to Arnot's, a deeply unpopular choice. In 1982 the store closed. *
P.T.’s , as it became affectionately known, was marketed as ‘The Shopping Centre of Scotland’. At P.T.’s consumers had access to a wide selection of some of the latest fashions and trends for both ladies and gents in Edinburgh. Across the store’s 60 departments, P.T.’s also sold boots & shoes, furniture, carpets, millinery & costumes, drapery and toys. Customers could also relax in the Palm Court restaurant, with its grand views over Edinburgh, while admiring the pleasant tones of the in-house orchestra. You could even get your hair cut at P.T.’s – atop a carousel horse, allegedly.
In its early days, P.T.’s was a ‘cash drapery store’ which meant that prices were fixed and customers would have to cough up the cash for goods up front. This method somewhat excluded those of lesser wealth. P.T.’s was a place for Edinburgh’s middle classes to come shop, socialise and be seen. If you didn’t have the money, then you shopped elsewhere.
A very good quality Scottish tweed. Highly wearable. In fact I used to wear it!
The jacket labelled Patrick Thomson Ltd, Edinburgh, with deep revers, double breasted with original buttons, slanting pockets with two darts above each, slightly waisted, three buttons to each cuff, lined with brown/pink rayon. The skirt of simple shape with a kick pleat centre back.
Size 10
Length of jacket shoulder to hem 21 1/2 in; 55 cm.
Length of skirt 29 in; 73 cm
30 in; 77 cm waist. The waist has been extended but the original could be re instated.
36 in 92 cm + hips .
There is one small hole on the right hand sleeve back, near the buttons. There is also a small hole to the right hand of the skirt above knee level.
* Read more at: http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/entertainment/lost-edinburgh-patrick-thomson-ltd-1-3242864
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