1728-1926 The building occupied by us in New Bond Street has been a bookshop since 1728, and a short account of the business carried on there was given in our catalogue 150 issued in 1913. We are now preparing a more complete history of our predecessors, and we should be extremely grateful if any of our clients who happen to possess letters or documents relating to this bookshop or to its former proprietors would be so good as to allow us to have them for inspection. The greatest care would be taken of such documents and, after perusal, they would be returned with expedition. The original proprietor was JOHN BRINDLEY, who came to New Bond Street in 1728 from Little Britain, Aldersgate. He first called his shop "The King's Arms," but later altered the name to "The Feathers." He died in 1758. His successor and kinsman, JAMES ROBSON, retained the latter name. He was the esteemed friend of Mrs. Piozzi (Thrale), and was thus thrown much into contact with Dr. Johnson, who with the other executors of Mr. Thrale, held meetings at this shop. Robson died in 1806 and was succeeded by his partner, WILLIAM FELL, who, with JOHN NORNAVILLE, carried on the business as Nornaville & Fell until 1830, when they sold it to THOMAS and WILLIAM BOONE. William Boone retired in 1861, and the business was carried on by Thomas Boone and his son, also named Thomas, until they disposed of it in 1872 to FREDRICK STARTRIDGE ELLIS, whose name it still bears, though since 1902 the partners have been J. J. HOLDSWORTH. Inland Telegrams: "ELLSCRUT, WESDO, LONDON." 1 ABBOT (Robert, afterwards Bp. of Salisbury), Antichristi Demonstratio, contra Fabulas Pontificias, & ineptam Roberti Bellarmini de Antichristo disputationem. Londini, Excudebat Robertus Barkerus, 1603. Sm. 4to, fine clean copy in the original limp vellum, £3 3s. 2 ACTS passed in the 22nd year of Henry VIII. [Thomas Berthelet, about 1531.] Folio, Black Letter, sewed, £4 10s. Contains, “An acte concerninge outlandishe people callinge themselues Egiptians," "An acte concerning Plumsted Marshes," An acte concerning maintenaunce of Drapery and against regrating of wolles," etc. " 3 [ACTS passed] At a Session of Parliament holden at Westminster the fourth day of Februarie, in the one and thirtieth yeere of the Reigne of our most gratious Soueraigne Ladie Elizabeth. Imprinted at London by the Deputies of Christopher Barker, 1589. Folio, Black Letter, woodcut border to title, half brown morocco, gilt edges, £2 15s. Among the Acts is one for "repairing of Dover Haven," another to avoid Horse-stealing.” |