Henry Poole & Co.: The First Tailor of Savile Row

A history of Savile Row's founding father, told through its most famous clients: icons of aristocracy, politics and the arts

In the gilded age of emperors, maharajas, courtesans and kings, Henry Poole & Co. dressed them all. For well over two centuries, Savile Row’s founding father was a Mecca for the men and women who made history. Presidents, prime ministers, generals and Russian grand dukes recognized Poole’s as the apex of elegance. The firm has endured wars, revolutions and financial crises to emerge as the tailor for the tech giants and hedge fund billionaires who rule the world in the 21st century.

Henry Poole & Co. celebrates the great names in Poole’s history and tells the story of this exceptional British tailoring firm still owned by the founding family.

'A very handsome book'
Robert Elms, BBC Radio London

Contents List

Foreword by John Kerry • Preface by Simon Cundy • Introduction: Henry Poole’s Greatest Customers • 1. The Beginning, 1806–1836 – Emperors & Maharajas • 2. Tailor of Kings, 1836–1876 – Politicians & Statesmen • 3. The Age of Empire, 1876–1916 – Financiers & Courtiers • 4. The Re silient Years, 1916–1936 – Kings & Queens • 5. Poole’s at War, 1936–1976 – Artists & Writers • 6. Poole Triumphant, 1976–2019 – Heroes & Villains • Savile Row Today by Alex Cooke • Ceremonial Tailoring • The Birth of the Dinner Jacket • Henry Poole & Co. Royal Warrants of Appointment • Honourable Mentions

About the Author

James Sherwood is a London-based style journalist, and has been described as ‘the guardian of Savile Row’ by The Rake magazine. He is the author of Savile Row, Fashion at Royal Ascot, James Sherwood’s discriminating Guide to London and Jewelry for Gentleman, all published by Thames & Hudson.

List of Contributors

Simon Cundey, Keith Levett, Alex Cooke