Whiteleys Collection

Opening of Whiteleys department store, 1911
Two pictures reporting on the opening of Whiteleys department store in Bayswater, West London in at the end of November 1911

Queen Alexandra and Crown Prince Olav, London
Queen Alexandra (1844-1925) and her grandson, Crown Prince Olav of Norway (1903-1991), leaving the newly opened Whiteleys Store in Bayswater, West London

Advertisement for William Whiteley elegant straight fronted corset. Date: 1906

Westbourne Grove and Whiteleys (engraving)
582324 Westbourne Grove and Whiteleys (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Westbourne Grove and Whiteleys)

In Westbourne Grove (b / w photo)
3102052 In Westbourne Grove (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: In Westbourne Grove)

Whiteleys department store, Queens Road, Bayswater, London
The new Whiteleys department store in Queens Road, Bayswater, West London, grand opening, with a banner, Welcome to the Lord Mayor. Date: circa 1911

William Whiteley, department store founder
William Whiteley, founder of the department store in Westbourne Grove, West London. late 19th century

William Whiteleys New Premises, Queens Road, London W (b / w photo)
3105949 William Whiteleys New Premises, Queens Road, London W (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: William Whiteleys New Premises, Queens Road)

William Whiteley, house and estate agents, auctioneers and valuers, Westbourne Grove, London (photo)
584221 William Whiteley, house and estate agents, auctioneers and valuers, Westbourne Grove, London (photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: William Whiteley)

Advert for Whiteleys womens corset 1907
A very elegant straight-fronted corset with front and side suspenders, made of danity silk batiste. Date: 1907

View of Queens Road (Queensway), Bayswater, London
View of Queens Road (now Queensway), Bayswater, West London, with Whiteleys department store in the distance. circa 1920

Lord Mayor of London opening Whiteleys store
The Lord Mayor of London, Sir Thomas Boor Crosby (1830-1916), opening Whiteleys new premises in Bayswater, West London. At the time this was the biggest shop in the world

Westbourne Grove, West London, with Whiteleys shops on the right. Date: circa 1910

Whiteleys Original Hidden Hand Co. by Jno. B. Jeffery Pr. & Eng. 1884, woodcut, color

A View of Westbourne Grove, London, showing Whiteleys department store, c. 1890
XJF283181 A View of Westbourne Grove, London, showing Whiteleys department store, c.1890 (b/w photo) by English Photographer

Whiteleys Viaduct, Charleston Curves, on the Manchester and Leeds Railway. Coloured lithograph by A F Tait, 1845 Date: 1845

Whiteleys 1911
The new Whiteleys shop in Queens Road, London, England

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"Whiteleys: A Timeless Icon of London's Retail Legacy" Step back in time to the grand opening department store in 1911, a momentous occasion that marked the birth of an iconic retail establishment. The event was graced by none other than Queen Alexandra and Crown Prince Olav, adding an air of regal elegance to this historic milestone. Even before its inauguration, Whiteleys had already made a name for itself with its exquisite offerings. An advertisement from 1906 proudly showcased William Whiteley's elegant straight fronted corset, capturing the essence of fashion and sophistication prevalent during that era. Situated on Queens Road (now known as Queensway) in Bayswater, London, Whiteleys became synonymous with luxury shopping experiences. Its presence on Westbourne Grove only added to its allure, as depicted in enchanting engravings and captivating black-and-white photographs that transport us to a bygone era. William Whiteley himself was not just a visionary entrepreneur but also a prominent figure within the realm of real estate. His new premises on Queens Road were nothing short of remarkable – captured beautifully in monochrome images that showcase his dedication to architectural excellence. Beyond retail and property ventures, William Whiteley expanded his empire into house and estate agencies while establishing himself as an esteemed auctioneer and valuer along Westbourne Grove. This multifaceted businessman left an indelible mark on London's commercial landscape. The legacy continued with advertisements showcasing fashionable women's corsets from 1907 – testament to how Whiteleys catered not only to discerning tastes but also embraced changing trends over time. Today, when strolling through Westbourne Grove or reminiscing about old-world charm amidst bustling modernity, one cannot help but be captivated by the enduring spirit of Whiteleys. It remains etched in our memories as more than just another department store; it is a symbol representing timeless elegance intertwined with London's rich history.