Chronology

October 21, 1805

William Francis Truefitt opens his first Gentlemen’s barbershop in Long Acre, London. Over a thousand miles south the British Royal Navy fleet decisively defeats a combined French and Spanish fleet in the Battle of Trafalgar.

1811

Truefitt moves his barbershop to 40 Old Bond Street in London’s fashionable West End.

1819

Peter Truefitt, William’s brother, opens his own barbershop at 20 & 21 Burlington Arcade, London.

1826

Peter Truefitt moves to 1 New Bond Street.

1831

H.P. Truefitt assists in founding The British Hairdressers Benevolent and Provident Institution charity.

1858

Henry Paul Truefitt inducted as the first president of The British Hairdressers Benevolent and Provident Institution. He held the position for 25 years.

1860

H.P. Truefitt organizes the first binding contract with his manager J.B. Donnell.

1870

H.P. Truefitt opens the first ladies salon.

1875

Commercial production of the first perfumes announced under the Truefitt label.

1878

First production of lipstick under the Truefitt label.

1880

First manicure and pedicure salons opens under the guidance of Miss West.

1882

H.P. Truefitt founds The Incorporated Guild of Hairdressers, Wigmakers and Perfumers and is elected the first Master of the Guild.

Hairdressers’ Journal is founded.

1900

Production of C.A.R. Hair Dressing commences.

1905

Truefitt celebrates its 100th anniversary at its location at 13 & 14 Old Bond Street.

1911

Walter Truefitt closes 1 New Bond Street location.

Edwin Hill opens a gentlemen’s salon at 23 Old Bond Street.

1916

“Walter Truefitt’s Charity for Poor Hairdresser’s” is founded. Intended as an interim measure to assist hairdressers pensioners, it still functions today.

1922

H.P. Truefitt moves to 16 Old Bond Street.

1935

H.P. Truefitt Ltd. and Edwin Hill & Co. merge and enlarge the premises at 23 Old Bond Street.

1936

Truefitt’s Toilet Club closes.

1952

Mr. E. L. Gifford, Chairman of Truefitt & Hill Ltd., is elected President of the Hair Dressers Benevolent Fund, 70 years after the retirement of the first President, Mr. H.P. Truefitt.

1955

150th Anniversary celebrations launched by Field Marshal The Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, KG.

1960

Closure of the Ladies’ Salon.

1989

Truefitt & Hill Chicago opens its doors.

1994

Truefitt & Hill London moves to 71 St. James Street.

1995

Mr. Richard Clarke, a former Truefitt & Hill employee, is inducted as the Master of the Guild of Hairdressers, Wigmakers and Perfumers.

Truefitt & Hill Toronto opens its doors.

2005

Truefitt & Hill celebrates its 200th anniversary.

Truefitt & Hill Las Vegas opens its doors.