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Born in Havengg, Cumberland to a tin mining family of thirteen. Mr Old, who left school at twelve, became a Master Tailor & Cutter, moved to London for experience, then to Lausanne in Switzerland to manage a business; famous in its time, called 'Old England.'
He was persuaded by his wife's family of the prospects that Bournemouth offered, and supported by them, opened a tailoring shop close to the town centre in April 1909. That same year he won the prestigious First Prize in the National Tailor & Cutter competition.
By 1916 he had moved to Westover Road, next door to a floundering ladies business called Madame Campbell. The two German sisters who ran the shop for Annie Campbell were not too popular at the time and the business had suffered!
Robert Old did not hesitate - Campbell's was taken over, both businesses prospered and with his son Bertram, likely to join the company, a purpose built shop was designed to cope with further expansion in the present location, and from 1932 the new premises embraced a complete selection for affluent Ladies, Gentlemen & their families.
The Second World War took its toll on a very successful enterprise and the Ladies side of the business was sold in order to concentrate all efforts on menswear.
In peace time Robert Old flourished once again and in 1962 the shop was expended and redesigned, reinforcing a long tradition of service with the younger and more fashionable culture of the time. The size and diversity of its ranges ensured a broad appeal for the connoisseur of any age.
In 1997 the opportunity to add a further floor to the sales area presented itself. Now with three floors and some of the world's finest menswear, Robert Old has a unique position on the international stage.
See the ‘proprietors views’ , in 1932!!! >
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