Whsmith Collection

John walker, 1781 - 1859, Stockton born inventor of the friction match, Statue, John Walker Square, Stockton, 28th June 1991

Improved London Street Architecture: No. 184, Strand, 1856. Creator: Unknown
Improved London Street Architecture: No. 184, Strand, 1856. The structure lately erected, from the designs of Mr. H. R. Abraham, occupies the site of...old Arundel House...The names W. H

W. H. Smith and son's despatching newpapers 1900
Early morning despatching newpapers for W. H. Smith. Date: 1900

Bookseller WHSmith 1910
A glimpse of the department of the well know British bookseller and newsvendors W. H. Smith and Son. Photograph showing busy workers in the warehouse packing books. 1910

A busy scene of shoppers on Church Street, one of Liverpools shopping areas, Merseyside. Church Street, Liverpool, Merseyside. 11th July 1991

Church Street, one of Liverpools shopping areas. Church Street, Liverpool, Merseyside. 3rd October 1984

Cannon Street Station, c. 1900, (1945). Creator: Marcus
Cannon Street Station, c. 1900, (1945). Busy scene at a London railway station. In the foreground a child sits on a trunk waiting to be moved with a porters trolley

The Best of Friends, 1888. Artist: Joseph Swain
The Best of Friends, 1888. The Liberal Leader of the Opposition, Mr Gladstone (left), takes a drink with Mr WH Smith from the Conservative Party

Head Office of W. H. Smith
Early morning scene outside the head office of W. H. Smith at 186, Strand, London showing carts and vans being loaded up with newspapers for London and the provinces

Sorting & packing newspapers overnight at W H Smith
Men working at long tables at W. H. Smith sorting and packing newspapers for distribution by rail throughout the country. Each of the long tables represented a main railway line

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"WHSmith: A Legacy of Innovation and Service" John Walker, a Stockton-born inventor, forever changed the world with his creation of the friction match in 1781. His ingenuity sparked a revolution in fire-making that continues to this day. In 1900, W. H. Smith and Son's were at the forefront of newspaper distribution, ensuring that the latest news reached eager readers across the country. Their dedication to prompt delivery made them an integral part of daily life. By 1910, WHSmith had established itself as a trusted bookseller, offering a wide range of literary treasures to satisfy every reader's appetite for knowledge and entertainment. Church Street in Liverpool became synonymous with bustling shoppers seeking their retail fix. The vibrant scene captured on its streets showcased the city's love affair with shopping and WHSmith was always there to cater to their needs. Cannon Street Station stood as a testament to progress and connectivity around 1900. As people traveled far and wide, they could rely on WHSmith kiosks for reading material during their journeys. "The Best of Friends, " painted by Joseph Swain in 1888, depicted two individuals engrossed in conversation while browsing through books at WHSmith. It reflected not only the joy of reading but also highlighted how bookstores like WHSmith fostered connections between people. The Head Office of W. H. Smith served as the nerve center where ideas flourished and strategies were devised to ensure customers received exceptional service nationwide. Behind-the-scenes efforts were equally crucial; sorting and packing newspapers overnight ensured that early morning deliveries would arrive promptly at homes across Britain thanks to WHSmith's commitment to efficiency. From John Walker's groundbreaking invention centuries ago to becoming an iconic presence on Church Street in Liverpool, it has remained steadfast in providing quality products and services throughout its storied history.