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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Universal Provider.
THE UNIVERSAL PROVIDER .
THERE are many who think a Masonio Journal should contain nothing but Masonry . Wo are not entirely of this view . We recognise , of course , that the sayings and doings of tho Craft should form the greater portion of its contents . A collection of news , with only a slight dash of Masonry in it , would have a very small claim to bo regarded as a Masonic Journal . But Masons aro men of the
world . They are not so narrow-minded as to feel indifferent to the concerns of every-day life . What goes on outside the brotherhood has a deep interest for them , for the simple reason that Masons , as a rule , aro men of business . Most of them follow some trade or profession . Even the Masonic scribe who purveys news for the Craft must find an occasional leisure moment in which to ponder
over the work that is going on around him . And so a journal , albeit aspiring to be the organ of the Craft , may occasionally find space for other than Masonic matter . Eecently we had an opportunity of going over possibly the largest , but certainly one of the largest , bnsiness establishments in London . Ifc has nothing whatever to do with our Order . We saw there no Masonic aprons , no Masonic
paraphernalia of any kind . What we did see , however , so completely interested us that we have no hesitation in favouring our readers with a description of it . We saw it under the most propitious circumstances : that is to say , our cicerone was none other than the proprietor himself , who conducted us over all the parts of his house , —or houses be it said rather , for there aro more than a dozen
of them—sparing himself no pains to acquaint us thoroughly with the character and contents of his establishment . Wo have already thanked him personally for his kindness . We do so again , now , more publicly , and we think our readers will admit , when they have read our imperfect sketch , that if ever a man deserved honest thanks it is MK . WHITELEY , the Universal Provider , of Westbourne
Grove and Queen ' s Eoad , Bayswater , for the trouble he bestowed on us afc our visit . The name of Whiteley is , of course , familiar to the West-end Londoner especially ; wo may safely , indeed , add to tho Londoner generally . His business is by no means local . He trades with customers from all parts of the metropolis , from the provinces , and in
foreign parts . His name is a household word iu moro senses than one . Thousands of households in the United Kingdom aro indebted to him for the comforts they enjoy . The handsome drawing and dining room suites may have como from his furniture warehouse in the Queens-road . The wearing apparel of the family , both male and female , was made perhaps on his premises . The jewelry they bedeck
themselves with was bought at his stores . They have dined , perhaps , at his table d'hote . Indeed , every article of daily use , from the diminutive pin to the most elaborate furniture , be it of the room or of the person , may have been purchased at his establishment . He sells everything , so thafc a man with money who has many wants may satisfy them all within the four corners of Whiteley ' s . Bufc to
proceed in order through the several houses . We aro in Westbourne Grove at the busiest timo of the day , and locomotion is not uuinterrupfced . The side streets are lined with carriages from all parts , while their occupants are shopping . Taking the houses seriatim , we enter , first of all , No . 31 . This is for the sale of hosiery , gloves , shirts , & c . On the basement floor are warehoused the goods sold in
this department . On the first floor is the show room , where aro exhibited dressing gowns , shirts , morning jackets , sleeping suits , cricket toggery , and the like , in every variety to suit every body ' s taste and pocket . On the second and third floors are the work rooms , the cutting and machine rooms being on the former , while ou the latter are engaged some fifty assistants in executing the more delicate
handwork . Shop No . 33 is a tailor s and woollen draper s . Here may be seen coats and nether garments to match of every description , besides uniforms , both military and naval , ladies' riding habits , servants ' liveries , & c . On the first floor is exhibited every variety of boys ' clothing . On tho second are located the trousers and breeches makars , the cutters for the juvenile department , and for riding
habits , and at the back are busily engaged a whole room full of trimmers . The tailors occupy the third floor , and in the basement are warehoused trunks and such like gear . No . 35 is for the sale of calicoes and plain muslins . In the show room aro ranged trunks , portmanteaus , bags , air-tig'ht cases , bullock trunks , dog collars and chains , deed boxes and uniform cases . The tailoresses , who
make the boys' suits , are on the second floor , while tho third is set apart for the manufacture of coats and vests , trousers and breeches . Muslins , calicoes , and choice Indian silks are stored away on the basement . Printed and washing materials in endless variety are to be bought at No . 37 . To the rear of this is a counting-house , with clerks to receive and pay mouey , private secretaries , & c , & c . Tho show '
room is set out vvitn sdk costumes and ball-dresses , aud to the rear i . > a fitting room , where a lady may try on her dross . On the second floor are made tho bodices , and above this aro the tailoresses again . No . 3 U is stocked with materials for fancy dresses , and all kinds of silks . The orders given iu this department are all executed on the promised . In the sliow room above may be seen specimens of every description
of feminine costume , bo it for the ball room , for travelling , for walking , or other purpose , which the stern edicts of fashion prescribe must be worn by its votaries . Ou the floor above are thi dressmakers' working anu fitting rooms , and higher still aro tut sleeping rooms of the night porters , of whom there are always nine on the premises . On tho basement floor a workshop for gas-fitters , carpenters and the like , occupies the front portion , and behind this
is a warehouse for fancy dress aud washing materials . Here , too , an the boot cleaners and lavatories fur tho buyers aud shop walkers . No . 41 is always well filled with ladies , eugaged in selecting th . needful haberdashery , trimming , hosiery , gloves , ribbons , feathers , flow . Ts , or Berlin wool . The first floor is entirely given up to bab > liuen , and the clothing of voting girls up to the age of twelve . Tin dressmakers , with a convenient waiting room , are on the seconJ
The Universal Provider.
floor , and on the third are fifty workpeople engaged in themaking-up department . The stationery department occupies the basement . No . 43 is for the sale of laco—which is made up on tho premisesumbrellas , sunshades , and furs , & c . Tho rear is a dark room , where ladies can match by gaslight tho different materials required for evening dresses , so that the colours or shades of colour may
harmonise properly . On the first floor is tho show room for ladies ' under-linen , dressing gowns , jackets , & c . Flowers and flower mounting are a floor above , on a level with the under-linen workpeople , and higher still is the warehouse , in which are kept , already marked and numbered , a large stock of ladies' and children ' s under , linen . The porters' room is on tho basement . Mantles and shawls
are on sale in No . 45 , the first floor being set apart for millinery , fcho second to making head-dresses , hats , & c ., and tho third to English millinery , baby and under-linen , & c . The porters' kitchen and beer cellar are on the basement floor . In No . 47 may be purchased all kinds of jewellery , plate , fancy and plain stationery , china and ormolu goods , perfumery , patent medicines , fans , opera glasses , and
that extensive range of articles known as fancy t ; oods . On the first floor aro ladies' and children ' s boots and shoes of English manufacture . Above , on the second floor , aro the mantle cutting room for stock , and a store room where goods as made are kept , and two large work-rooms , accommodating fifty people , are on the third . Below aro the refreshment kitchen , the matron ' s sitting room and store rooms . No . 49 is for the sale of gentlemen ' s boots , shoes , hats , india-rubber
goods , saddlery , whips , sticks , fishing tackle , banners , lawn tennis , croquet , cricket apparatus , & c , and here also is tho refreshment department , where customers who are bent on a long day ' s shopping may make a light or substantial lunch or dinner , or appease the appetite with any agreeable light refreshment , including tea , coffee , ices , & c , but no wine , beer , or spirit ia to be had for lovo or money . In the show room above are an endless assortment of ladies' and children ' s
French boots and shoes . Higher up is tho mantle cutting room , where special orders are executed , with a fitting room and back room adjoining . The topmost floor of all is likewise devoted to mantles , there being two workrooms , each accommodating twenty-five people . On the basement , the front is occupied as a kitchen , for soups , fish , and joints , while at the back is tho silk hat warehouse . Family and house linen
of all kinds , as well as blankets , aro purchasable at No . 51 . Tho show-room is filled with fancy goods , dressing bags , writing desks , jewel cases , despatch boxes , & c . On the second floor are warehoused , in the front , foreign goods ; at tho back , perfumery , patent medicines , croquet , lawn tennis , and other games . Above are plate , jewellery , cutlery , & c , in the front , household linen being stowed away at the back .
What are known as soft furnishing goods , such as reps , damasks , cretonnes , chintzes , ticks , tablo-clofchs , with curtains , cornices , curtain-poles , furniture trimmings , oil-cloths , window-curtains of all kinds—Notts and Swiss lace , Leno , & c . —all these are sold at No . 53 . On the first floor is the juvenile print room , on the second are located the boot warehouse , the superior class of cutters out , and the
examining departments where goods , as they come in , are rigidly overhauled ; on the third , ribbons and silk scarfs . Below the basement of Nos . 51 and 53 aro the servants' dining hall , and store-rooms for flannels , blankets , lace curtains , & c . Then afc the back of Nos . 55 and 57 are carpets of all kinds , druggets , rugs , oil-cloths , Linoleums , mats , and adjoining Kensington Gardens Square , and to the rear of
Nos . 45-53 , are the ladies and gentlemen s hair-cutting saloons . The china and earthenware branch is at 51 Kensington Gardens Square , where every descripton of breakfast , dinner , tea , dessert , and kitchen services may be had , and every variety of artificial flowers for table decoration . Tho first floor ia wholly for glass , and the basement serves as a store for both glass and china goods . At No .
50 , the ground floor is for iron , tin , and copper ware , gas stoves , gaseliers , chandeliers , & c . ; the first floor for brushes and turnery , sponges , & c . j while on the basement are stowed away ironmongery , tin , and other wares . There is besides a lace and stationery warehouse , and at Douglas Place is a branch for printing , repair of jewellery , plate cleaning , fur warehouse , & c , & c . Wo have already
mentioned a counting-honse at No . 37 , but large as this is , there is a larger onestill , whereasmall regiment of clerks are engaged in preparing invoices inwards and outwards , ledger clerks , telegraph clerks , postal clerks , & c , & c . Then on the basement there is a second kitchen for the daintier edibles , such as ices , cakes , tarts and tartlets , raised pies , and confectionery of all kinds , and for the accommodation of the assistants ,
there are four dining rooms , two for the young ladies of tho establishment , and two for the men assistants . These four , together , accommodate five hundred at one time , two having each six tables for twenty-five each and a carver , and two others four tables each for tho same number . There is also a buyers' refreshment room , where the buyers and superior employes take their meals . In
Douglas Place aro stabling tor over fifty horses , and coach-HOUSPS , n . nd a sufficiency of enrfcs and waggons for the conveyance of goods throughout , the metropolis , and for a distance of twenty-five mtius out into the surrounding country . Tho stab ' emen aud helpers are likewise housed very comfortably , while all tho appurtenances , iu ihe shape of smithies , aud the like , are ready at hand , so that
-Mr . Whiteley is absolutely independent of ud external help . The nremises iu the Queen's Eoad are wholly devoted to house furniture , of which only a limited selection is kept in Westbourne Grove ; just enough , indeed , to let the customers know that house furnishing and leeorating is a part of Mr . Whiteley ' s business . Tne Queen ' s Road 'stablishment is on a magnificent scale . The building is lofty , of
considerable width , and as to depth extend- ' jack a distance of no less than three hundred feet . There are fufi . iiuors , and the amount > E stock on those premises , in the shape of drawing , dining , library , md bed-ivom furniture , may be moro easily imagined than described . In quality they are excellent , varying , of eotrse , according to price .
I'liere is also a hiring out branch , where tables , ch irs , seats , ami tho like are hired out to people on the occasion of a ball , dinuor party , or similar entertainment . Here , too , are workshops innumerable , nd n nrign'ficent spa e for planning and fitting carpets , so th ; .. tho furniture warehouse is not only ou a large scale , but includes accom .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Universal Provider.
THE UNIVERSAL PROVIDER .
THERE are many who think a Masonio Journal should contain nothing but Masonry . Wo are not entirely of this view . We recognise , of course , that the sayings and doings of tho Craft should form the greater portion of its contents . A collection of news , with only a slight dash of Masonry in it , would have a very small claim to bo regarded as a Masonic Journal . But Masons aro men of the
world . They are not so narrow-minded as to feel indifferent to the concerns of every-day life . What goes on outside the brotherhood has a deep interest for them , for the simple reason that Masons , as a rule , aro men of business . Most of them follow some trade or profession . Even the Masonic scribe who purveys news for the Craft must find an occasional leisure moment in which to ponder
over the work that is going on around him . And so a journal , albeit aspiring to be the organ of the Craft , may occasionally find space for other than Masonic matter . Eecently we had an opportunity of going over possibly the largest , but certainly one of the largest , bnsiness establishments in London . Ifc has nothing whatever to do with our Order . We saw there no Masonic aprons , no Masonic
paraphernalia of any kind . What we did see , however , so completely interested us that we have no hesitation in favouring our readers with a description of it . We saw it under the most propitious circumstances : that is to say , our cicerone was none other than the proprietor himself , who conducted us over all the parts of his house , —or houses be it said rather , for there aro more than a dozen
of them—sparing himself no pains to acquaint us thoroughly with the character and contents of his establishment . Wo have already thanked him personally for his kindness . We do so again , now , more publicly , and we think our readers will admit , when they have read our imperfect sketch , that if ever a man deserved honest thanks it is MK . WHITELEY , the Universal Provider , of Westbourne
Grove and Queen ' s Eoad , Bayswater , for the trouble he bestowed on us afc our visit . The name of Whiteley is , of course , familiar to the West-end Londoner especially ; wo may safely , indeed , add to tho Londoner generally . His business is by no means local . He trades with customers from all parts of the metropolis , from the provinces , and in
foreign parts . His name is a household word iu moro senses than one . Thousands of households in the United Kingdom aro indebted to him for the comforts they enjoy . The handsome drawing and dining room suites may have como from his furniture warehouse in the Queens-road . The wearing apparel of the family , both male and female , was made perhaps on his premises . The jewelry they bedeck
themselves with was bought at his stores . They have dined , perhaps , at his table d'hote . Indeed , every article of daily use , from the diminutive pin to the most elaborate furniture , be it of the room or of the person , may have been purchased at his establishment . He sells everything , so thafc a man with money who has many wants may satisfy them all within the four corners of Whiteley ' s . Bufc to
proceed in order through the several houses . We aro in Westbourne Grove at the busiest timo of the day , and locomotion is not uuinterrupfced . The side streets are lined with carriages from all parts , while their occupants are shopping . Taking the houses seriatim , we enter , first of all , No . 31 . This is for the sale of hosiery , gloves , shirts , & c . On the basement floor are warehoused the goods sold in
this department . On the first floor is the show room , where aro exhibited dressing gowns , shirts , morning jackets , sleeping suits , cricket toggery , and the like , in every variety to suit every body ' s taste and pocket . On the second and third floors are the work rooms , the cutting and machine rooms being on the former , while ou the latter are engaged some fifty assistants in executing the more delicate
handwork . Shop No . 33 is a tailor s and woollen draper s . Here may be seen coats and nether garments to match of every description , besides uniforms , both military and naval , ladies' riding habits , servants ' liveries , & c . On the first floor is exhibited every variety of boys ' clothing . On tho second are located the trousers and breeches makars , the cutters for the juvenile department , and for riding
habits , and at the back are busily engaged a whole room full of trimmers . The tailors occupy the third floor , and in the basement are warehoused trunks and such like gear . No . 35 is for the sale of calicoes and plain muslins . In the show room aro ranged trunks , portmanteaus , bags , air-tig'ht cases , bullock trunks , dog collars and chains , deed boxes and uniform cases . The tailoresses , who
make the boys' suits , are on the second floor , while tho third is set apart for the manufacture of coats and vests , trousers and breeches . Muslins , calicoes , and choice Indian silks are stored away on the basement . Printed and washing materials in endless variety are to be bought at No . 37 . To the rear of this is a counting-house , with clerks to receive and pay mouey , private secretaries , & c , & c . Tho show '
room is set out vvitn sdk costumes and ball-dresses , aud to the rear i . > a fitting room , where a lady may try on her dross . On the second floor are made tho bodices , and above this aro the tailoresses again . No . 3 U is stocked with materials for fancy dresses , and all kinds of silks . The orders given iu this department are all executed on the promised . In the sliow room above may be seen specimens of every description
of feminine costume , bo it for the ball room , for travelling , for walking , or other purpose , which the stern edicts of fashion prescribe must be worn by its votaries . Ou the floor above are thi dressmakers' working anu fitting rooms , and higher still aro tut sleeping rooms of the night porters , of whom there are always nine on the premises . On tho basement floor a workshop for gas-fitters , carpenters and the like , occupies the front portion , and behind this
is a warehouse for fancy dress aud washing materials . Here , too , an the boot cleaners and lavatories fur tho buyers aud shop walkers . No . 41 is always well filled with ladies , eugaged in selecting th . needful haberdashery , trimming , hosiery , gloves , ribbons , feathers , flow . Ts , or Berlin wool . The first floor is entirely given up to bab > liuen , and the clothing of voting girls up to the age of twelve . Tin dressmakers , with a convenient waiting room , are on the seconJ
The Universal Provider.
floor , and on the third are fifty workpeople engaged in themaking-up department . The stationery department occupies the basement . No . 43 is for the sale of laco—which is made up on tho premisesumbrellas , sunshades , and furs , & c . Tho rear is a dark room , where ladies can match by gaslight tho different materials required for evening dresses , so that the colours or shades of colour may
harmonise properly . On the first floor is tho show room for ladies ' under-linen , dressing gowns , jackets , & c . Flowers and flower mounting are a floor above , on a level with the under-linen workpeople , and higher still is the warehouse , in which are kept , already marked and numbered , a large stock of ladies' and children ' s under , linen . The porters' room is on tho basement . Mantles and shawls
are on sale in No . 45 , the first floor being set apart for millinery , fcho second to making head-dresses , hats , & c ., and tho third to English millinery , baby and under-linen , & c . The porters' kitchen and beer cellar are on the basement floor . In No . 47 may be purchased all kinds of jewellery , plate , fancy and plain stationery , china and ormolu goods , perfumery , patent medicines , fans , opera glasses , and
that extensive range of articles known as fancy t ; oods . On the first floor aro ladies' and children ' s boots and shoes of English manufacture . Above , on the second floor , aro the mantle cutting room for stock , and a store room where goods as made are kept , and two large work-rooms , accommodating fifty people , are on the third . Below aro the refreshment kitchen , the matron ' s sitting room and store rooms . No . 49 is for the sale of gentlemen ' s boots , shoes , hats , india-rubber
goods , saddlery , whips , sticks , fishing tackle , banners , lawn tennis , croquet , cricket apparatus , & c , and here also is tho refreshment department , where customers who are bent on a long day ' s shopping may make a light or substantial lunch or dinner , or appease the appetite with any agreeable light refreshment , including tea , coffee , ices , & c , but no wine , beer , or spirit ia to be had for lovo or money . In the show room above are an endless assortment of ladies' and children ' s
French boots and shoes . Higher up is tho mantle cutting room , where special orders are executed , with a fitting room and back room adjoining . The topmost floor of all is likewise devoted to mantles , there being two workrooms , each accommodating twenty-five people . On the basement , the front is occupied as a kitchen , for soups , fish , and joints , while at the back is tho silk hat warehouse . Family and house linen
of all kinds , as well as blankets , aro purchasable at No . 51 . Tho show-room is filled with fancy goods , dressing bags , writing desks , jewel cases , despatch boxes , & c . On the second floor are warehoused , in the front , foreign goods ; at tho back , perfumery , patent medicines , croquet , lawn tennis , and other games . Above are plate , jewellery , cutlery , & c , in the front , household linen being stowed away at the back .
What are known as soft furnishing goods , such as reps , damasks , cretonnes , chintzes , ticks , tablo-clofchs , with curtains , cornices , curtain-poles , furniture trimmings , oil-cloths , window-curtains of all kinds—Notts and Swiss lace , Leno , & c . —all these are sold at No . 53 . On the first floor is the juvenile print room , on the second are located the boot warehouse , the superior class of cutters out , and the
examining departments where goods , as they come in , are rigidly overhauled ; on the third , ribbons and silk scarfs . Below the basement of Nos . 51 and 53 aro the servants' dining hall , and store-rooms for flannels , blankets , lace curtains , & c . Then afc the back of Nos . 55 and 57 are carpets of all kinds , druggets , rugs , oil-cloths , Linoleums , mats , and adjoining Kensington Gardens Square , and to the rear of
Nos . 45-53 , are the ladies and gentlemen s hair-cutting saloons . The china and earthenware branch is at 51 Kensington Gardens Square , where every descripton of breakfast , dinner , tea , dessert , and kitchen services may be had , and every variety of artificial flowers for table decoration . Tho first floor ia wholly for glass , and the basement serves as a store for both glass and china goods . At No .
50 , the ground floor is for iron , tin , and copper ware , gas stoves , gaseliers , chandeliers , & c . ; the first floor for brushes and turnery , sponges , & c . j while on the basement are stowed away ironmongery , tin , and other wares . There is besides a lace and stationery warehouse , and at Douglas Place is a branch for printing , repair of jewellery , plate cleaning , fur warehouse , & c , & c . Wo have already
mentioned a counting-honse at No . 37 , but large as this is , there is a larger onestill , whereasmall regiment of clerks are engaged in preparing invoices inwards and outwards , ledger clerks , telegraph clerks , postal clerks , & c , & c . Then on the basement there is a second kitchen for the daintier edibles , such as ices , cakes , tarts and tartlets , raised pies , and confectionery of all kinds , and for the accommodation of the assistants ,
there are four dining rooms , two for the young ladies of tho establishment , and two for the men assistants . These four , together , accommodate five hundred at one time , two having each six tables for twenty-five each and a carver , and two others four tables each for tho same number . There is also a buyers' refreshment room , where the buyers and superior employes take their meals . In
Douglas Place aro stabling tor over fifty horses , and coach-HOUSPS , n . nd a sufficiency of enrfcs and waggons for the conveyance of goods throughout , the metropolis , and for a distance of twenty-five mtius out into the surrounding country . Tho stab ' emen aud helpers are likewise housed very comfortably , while all tho appurtenances , iu ihe shape of smithies , aud the like , are ready at hand , so that
-Mr . Whiteley is absolutely independent of ud external help . The nremises iu the Queen's Eoad are wholly devoted to house furniture , of which only a limited selection is kept in Westbourne Grove ; just enough , indeed , to let the customers know that house furnishing and leeorating is a part of Mr . Whiteley ' s business . Tne Queen ' s Road 'stablishment is on a magnificent scale . The building is lofty , of
considerable width , and as to depth extend- ' jack a distance of no less than three hundred feet . There are fufi . iiuors , and the amount > E stock on those premises , in the shape of drawing , dining , library , md bed-ivom furniture , may be moro easily imagined than described . In quality they are excellent , varying , of eotrse , according to price .
I'liere is also a hiring out branch , where tables , ch irs , seats , ami tho like are hired out to people on the occasion of a ball , dinuor party , or similar entertainment . Here , too , are workshops innumerable , nd n nrign'ficent spa e for planning and fitting carpets , so th ; .. tho furniture warehouse is not only ou a large scale , but includes accom .