James Lock & Co. - the UK Summit tour
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James Lock & Co. - the UK Summit tour
During the UK Summit in London, the bunch of us visited St. James Street to check out what's left of Herbert Johnson (Swaine Adeney Brigg) and, while we were at it, take a peek at what's probably the world's most famous hatter - James Lock & Co.
In drizzling rain, we glanced at the formal-looking doorman inside the store - in military dress uniform, he seemed a bit apprehensive when a fedora-sporting, Wested-wearing motley crew entered the shop. Nevertheless, he let us in. The shop attendants pretty soon figured us out for Indiana Jones enthusiasts (yes, we carry all our bullwhips in this plastic bag), and we spread out in the shop, marveling at corduroy smoking hats, fine Panamas and some quite expensive-looking fur felts.
I made some inquiries about their reblocking services, and asked if it was possible to see the workshop. I was the only one let in there (apparently, insurance would not cover lumbering gearheads in the event of an accident) and soon I stood in what felt like the inner sanctum of this venerable hat shop.
Passing shelves of bowlers, or cokes, as Lock prefers to call them...
...and other various felt hats...
... a work bench with some head measuring devices (in the rack). When buying a hat at Lock's, the customer's head is carefully measured with said contraptions, in order to register all bumps and lumps... this ensures a snug, yet comfortable fit.
A genuine 'coke', on the head of our very friendly 'tour guide' - unfortunately, I totally forgot to ask his name... he graciously permitted these pics to be posted at COW.
Now we are at the innermost part of the workshop. On the bench, to the left, a brim flange for a fedora... wouldn't mind to have that one to go with my block... more flanges underneath. To the right, the steam machine - a modern piece of equipment for the milliner. The more traditional water kettles were kept on a shelf underneath the bench... yes , they too are still used when steaming the hats.
An assortment of hat blocks. No Indy block to be seen... as the brim flanges, some of these are over a century old.
Surrounded by history... the back door of the shop situated in 21st century London lead to a backyard from the Elizabethan age! On the other side of this small, enclosed yard the 16th century home of the family Lock could be seen. The lady in the tympanum is probably a Lock family member. The front door even hat a 16th century catflap...
Gas mains are still present in many of the buildings in London, even though electrical heating is used. This gas tap is still live... or so it's believed... anyway, the feather stuck in the faucet is a safety precaution - it blows off if gas is lead through the pipes.
Two hats belonging to Lock Hatters' famous clients from the early 19th century: to the left, Lord Horatio Nelson's bicorne, worn in the battle at Trafalgar. To the left - the hat of Arthur Wellesley, first Duke of Wellington - the guy who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. The ledger below contains written documentation of the purchases.
In conclusion, the visit to Lock was a very pleasant one, most recommended, should you visit London. It's one of those truly classy places - that one still can find in Britain occasionally - that maintain a well-deserved air of exclusivity without being posh and unfriendly. If Herbert Johnson Hatters still existed in their true form, the experience would probably be similar...
Oh right, the Lock&Co/ROTLA connection - there isn't one. Harrison Ford did purchase a fedora from Lock for privat use, not for the film.
Our own proud hat display - Akubras, Kepplers, HJs and an Optimo on display in ob1al's hotel room...
In drizzling rain, we glanced at the formal-looking doorman inside the store - in military dress uniform, he seemed a bit apprehensive when a fedora-sporting, Wested-wearing motley crew entered the shop. Nevertheless, he let us in. The shop attendants pretty soon figured us out for Indiana Jones enthusiasts (yes, we carry all our bullwhips in this plastic bag), and we spread out in the shop, marveling at corduroy smoking hats, fine Panamas and some quite expensive-looking fur felts.
I made some inquiries about their reblocking services, and asked if it was possible to see the workshop. I was the only one let in there (apparently, insurance would not cover lumbering gearheads in the event of an accident) and soon I stood in what felt like the inner sanctum of this venerable hat shop.
Passing shelves of bowlers, or cokes, as Lock prefers to call them...
...and other various felt hats...
... a work bench with some head measuring devices (in the rack). When buying a hat at Lock's, the customer's head is carefully measured with said contraptions, in order to register all bumps and lumps... this ensures a snug, yet comfortable fit.
A genuine 'coke', on the head of our very friendly 'tour guide' - unfortunately, I totally forgot to ask his name... he graciously permitted these pics to be posted at COW.
Now we are at the innermost part of the workshop. On the bench, to the left, a brim flange for a fedora... wouldn't mind to have that one to go with my block... more flanges underneath. To the right, the steam machine - a modern piece of equipment for the milliner. The more traditional water kettles were kept on a shelf underneath the bench... yes , they too are still used when steaming the hats.
An assortment of hat blocks. No Indy block to be seen... as the brim flanges, some of these are over a century old.
Surrounded by history... the back door of the shop situated in 21st century London lead to a backyard from the Elizabethan age! On the other side of this small, enclosed yard the 16th century home of the family Lock could be seen. The lady in the tympanum is probably a Lock family member. The front door even hat a 16th century catflap...
Gas mains are still present in many of the buildings in London, even though electrical heating is used. This gas tap is still live... or so it's believed... anyway, the feather stuck in the faucet is a safety precaution - it blows off if gas is lead through the pipes.
Two hats belonging to Lock Hatters' famous clients from the early 19th century: to the left, Lord Horatio Nelson's bicorne, worn in the battle at Trafalgar. To the left - the hat of Arthur Wellesley, first Duke of Wellington - the guy who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. The ledger below contains written documentation of the purchases.
In conclusion, the visit to Lock was a very pleasant one, most recommended, should you visit London. It's one of those truly classy places - that one still can find in Britain occasionally - that maintain a well-deserved air of exclusivity without being posh and unfriendly. If Herbert Johnson Hatters still existed in their true form, the experience would probably be similar...
Oh right, the Lock&Co/ROTLA connection - there isn't one. Harrison Ford did purchase a fedora from Lock for privat use, not for the film.
Our own proud hat display - Akubras, Kepplers, HJs and an Optimo on display in ob1al's hotel room...
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The atmosphere in Lock and Co was wonderful too - they seemed to genuinly enjoy the fact we were there and were happy to not just accomodate us but go out of there way for us like giving the tour shown above.
It is easy to see why people such as Harrison Ford and Jonny Depp chose this place to go - not only were we greeted warmly, we were treated no differently than any other customer. I imagine their customer service here is impeccable.
Scandanavia - thanks for putting the pictures online for us!
Ken
It is easy to see why people such as Harrison Ford and Jonny Depp chose this place to go - not only were we greeted warmly, we were treated no differently than any other customer. I imagine their customer service here is impeccable.
Scandanavia - thanks for putting the pictures online for us!
Ken
- Swindiana
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Great story and summary, bro'.
They also had a framed chart of famous people's head shapes from the measuring devices that I liked. They were really small in scale and later enlarged for the final hat shape as I understood it. Amazing how different heads will look if you draw a map of them so to speak. Among about 20 of them I'd say only one of them was rounded and the rest would look like anything from a peanut to a potatoe.
Regards,
Swindiana
They also had a framed chart of famous people's head shapes from the measuring devices that I liked. They were really small in scale and later enlarged for the final hat shape as I understood it. Amazing how different heads will look if you draw a map of them so to speak. Among about 20 of them I'd say only one of them was rounded and the rest would look like anything from a peanut to a potatoe.
Regards,
Swindiana
Let's see if I can recognize some lids in that picture...
Top right: Ob1Al's London grey Optimo
Top middle: Ken's Keppler
Number two on the bottom from the left: Ob1Al's HJ
Somewhere inbetween: Redbeards's an Canyon's Fed. deluxe
Am I getting close???
The steamer in the one picture is a Jiffy J-4000 and can be bought for 215$ from Jiffy Steamers (plus shipping).
Cool pics, thanks for sharing.
Regards,
Marc
Top right: Ob1Al's London grey Optimo
Top middle: Ken's Keppler
Number two on the bottom from the left: Ob1Al's HJ
Somewhere inbetween: Redbeards's an Canyon's Fed. deluxe
Am I getting close???
The steamer in the one picture is a Jiffy J-4000 and can be bought for 215$ from Jiffy Steamers (plus shipping).
Cool pics, thanks for sharing.
Regards,
Marc
Great shots of James Lock Swindiana. Here in the U.S. Lock sends a man around to the east coast horse shows. They sell tons of Jeff caps. I have had two for years, they are great, timeless and never wear out.
IMO James Lock is everything Herbert Johnson is not. At Lock things are the same as they were 100 years ago. On the other hand Herbert Johnson is not the same this month as they were last month and no one ever know what was going on even a short time ago. A Lock hat can be the same as it was when Nelson wore one. A Johnson is never the same as the last one, even when they want them to be. Maybe that’s why they are Swaine Adeney Brigg now…………..
I have two Indy Fedoras a Peters Brothers and an Optimo and I love them both. Thanks again for your review Swindiana.
Bill Walton
Bill Walton
IMO James Lock is everything Herbert Johnson is not. At Lock things are the same as they were 100 years ago. On the other hand Herbert Johnson is not the same this month as they were last month and no one ever know what was going on even a short time ago. A Lock hat can be the same as it was when Nelson wore one. A Johnson is never the same as the last one, even when they want them to be. Maybe that’s why they are Swaine Adeney Brigg now…………..
I have two Indy Fedoras a Peters Brothers and an Optimo and I love them both. Thanks again for your review Swindiana.
Bill Walton
Bill Walton
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I did that a lot, too...after a while they start looking different, and often their writing style is similar, although SJ tends to more prose and Swindiana is the master of bag reference. It was a LITTLE easier for me when SJ looked more like Tom Selleck... ...but after a while these other traits present themselves stronger.
Anymore I find I remember folks by their personality/humor and knowledge areas. Haven't figured out HOW to categorize Bink and Jess yet, though.
SJ - This is a wonderful virtual tour - thanks a lot! Got one weird question for you...how did it SMELL? Seriously, that's the one experience you can't get w/o walking in, but a pretty powerful descriptor. Did you smell the felt in the back rooms, or wood/dust from the old blocks, or steam heat...? (Yes, you now know how to categorize me, as well. I am often a total FRUITCAKE! )
Anymore I find I remember folks by their personality/humor and knowledge areas. Haven't figured out HOW to categorize Bink and Jess yet, though.
SJ - This is a wonderful virtual tour - thanks a lot! Got one weird question for you...how did it SMELL? Seriously, that's the one experience you can't get w/o walking in, but a pretty powerful descriptor. Did you smell the felt in the back rooms, or wood/dust from the old blocks, or steam heat...? (Yes, you now know how to categorize me, as well. I am often a total FRUITCAKE! )
That's an easy one - Scoundrels.Haven't figured out HOW to categorize Bink and Jess yet, though
In fact Jerry, I see you as a Scoundrel-in-the-works. I forsee you will become the greatest of all Scoundrels, even more powerful than Master Jess.
A few more dastardly, dirty, rotten tricks - just follow Bink's lead on that one - and I'm certain Professor Michaelson will confer upon you the rank of official Scoundrel.
Never give up my friend - one day, you too could be a recognised bounder and cad!
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Hehehe...I fear that is what kept Michaelson away...the fear of being the target of too many practical jokes by those in quest for the scoundrel ranking!ob1al wrote:A few more dastardly, dirty, rotten tricks - just follow Bink's lead on that one - and I'm certain Professor Michaelson will confer upon you the rank of official Scoundrel.
(Kidding, Michaelson, kidding...and STILL wish you, Jess, and Bink could make QM this wknd. Plan to drink some coffee for you three (but smoke the cigars for ME). Even got my COW mug the other day so it will be official. )
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Well...Indiana Jerry wrote:Got one weird question for you...how did it SMELL? Seriously, that's the one experience you can't get w/o walking in, but a pretty powerful descriptor. Did you smell the felt in the back rooms, or wood/dust from the old blocks, or steam heat...? (Yes, you now know how to categorize me, as well. I am often a total FRUITCAKE! )
nothing special, really. I guess it smelled like... it was supposed to... :
Scent of a hat shop. Nothing poignant at all. Felt...? What an extraordinary question, Jerry. I am quite sensitive for smells, so I guess I would have noticed any whiffs out of the ordinary...
My hotel room, on the other hand, was a different experience, funk-wise... eew.
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Ew...don't need the luminol, it's taken on an eerie glow all by itself...Scandinavia Jones wrote:Actually, the other summitgoers' rooms sniffed out OK... I was given a the room with a most disgusting rug. The best description of the smell? Let's just say CSI might have encountered it in their line of duty... &
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No need to be sorry my friend. You never know when you need a second identity.Whipcrack wrote:I stand corrected, sorry I mixed this up.
Bill
Latest conspiracy: SJ and Swindy the same person? We have the proof, or do we? Or don't we? Read all about it, or don't? Or will you?
I felt a felt smell in the shop.
Regards,
Swindiana
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Ah, I see... I was just beginning to wonder where those bills came from...Swindiana wrote:No need to be sorry my friend. You never know when you need a second identity.
"Invoice for (1) truckload of Box Gas Mask Bags, Mk VII"
"Thank you for shopping at Mad Mike's Military Miscellania. 14 crates of British military surplus equipment (Mk VII bags, striped and unissued mix). Payment due tomorrow."
And so forth...
We need to talk, "Scandy"!
Ah... indeed, yee hev a #### proboshcish, Alan. Tha is, yer nashal shenshes are exhtremely well shorted, Ah musht syah .ob1al wrote:The shcenturies of shervice that shop hash sheen shertainly shurrounded shaid shwanky shtore with a persheptable hishtoric schent
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"Invoice for (1) truckload of Box Gas Mask Bags, Mk VII"
"Thank you for shopping at Mad Mike's Military Miscellania. 14 crates of British military surplus equipment (Mk VII bags, striped and unissued mix). Payment due tomorrow."
Needless to say, I'm now on to finding reproduction Newey snaps.
Money is in the bag... Well... A bag never gets cheaper than a free one.
Regards,
Swindy, aka "Scandy"
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Thanks, mate!ob1al wrote:BTW SJ, I never did say - great post!
Actually, I thought the posh old guy was calling the coppers when we entered...ob1al wrote:It was a real pleasure to visit Lock and co - much more so than the 'Swaine Adney Briggs' shop.
I'm OK... lots of work, long days and no time for COW makes Tom a dull boy. I wish there was another UK Summit in a couple o' weeks...ob1al wrote:Hope your doing well T., you've been very quiet lately!
Had to post this cheerful little pic... one of the unarguably best pics from the summit... it kind of sums it up, don't you think?
(Picture courtesy of Swindiana... or maybe not... after all, one of us is Swindiana and the other is Scandinavia Jones... right?)