Smythson

Smythson, Robert, 1536?-1614, English architect of the Elizabethan era. From 1568, Smythson was freemason to John Thynne in finishing (1567-75) the country house Longleat, Wiltshire. Striking in its symmetry, its outward-looking plan, and its numerous and large windows, it revealed a new concept of domestic design, showing admirably refined use of classical detail. His chief work was Wollaton Hall, Nottinghamshire (1580-88). Although he followed the pattern of Sebastiano Serlio and other Renaissance continental architects, he was ingenious in his adaptations.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia Copyright © 2004.
Licensed from Columbia University Press

Smythson

Smythson of Bond Street is a British manufacturer of luxury stationery, leather goods, diaries, and fashion products based in London, England. Smythson opened his first shop on September 29 1887 at 133, New Bond Street, London. Its clients over the years have included Queen Victoria, Sir Edmund Hillary, Madonna, and Grace Kelly.

The brand has retained the cachet of "old money", while at the same time being seen as cool and fashionable by upscale, young consumers. Smythson's customization of products, often used for events like weddings and parties, offers a distinctive service for its clients. The highest-end social stationery is often adorned with exquisite detailing: 24-carat gilded edges, hand-painted borders, custom-engraved motifs, and monograms.

Smythson opened its first freestanding store in the United States on West 57th Street near Fifth Avenue in New York City. SawickiTarella Architecture Design designed the shop using simple lines and colors following the style of the store's products. Smythson products are also available at the high-end department store Bergdorf Goodman around the corner. The latest US store was opened in Los Angeles, Rodeo Drive in August 2007. The products are also sold in small boutique-style alcoves inside Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Selfridges department stores in the United Kingdom.

History

In the 1950s, the John Menzies Group acquired Smythson. In 1998, Smythson's then managing director Sarah Elton led a management buyout backed by a private investor. Since then, the business has grown and the company is now operating six outlets in the UK and one in the U.S. In 2004, Smythson recorded £12m pounds in sales revenues.

In early 2005, Smythson shareholders appointed Cavendish Corporate Finance Limited to advise on the disposal of their stake in the business. Besides maximizing value for themselves, the shareholders were keen to identify a buyer who would protect the rich heritage of the brand and offer the management team the opportunity to continue to grow.

Kelso Place Asset Management and King Street Partners, backed by a consortium of high net worth individuals, were identified as the preferred bidders. Elton, now the Managing Director and leading executive shareholder of Frank Smythson Limited, commented that she was satisfied with the deal.