Fine Accessories for Gentlemen since 1820

Albert Thurston

Over 180 years of traditional British craftsmanship  
November 10, 2024  

Albert Thurston's first shop


In 1820, five years before Nelsons Column was built (to celebrate his life and death on the 21st October 1805 at the battle of Trafalgar) braces and suspenders were first made and sold by Albert Thurston from his emporium at 27 Panton Street, Haymarket, London. If you want to know whether any of your ancestors fought on the British side at Trafalgar click here  Trafalgar  

the Great Exhibition in Hyde ParkThirty one years later, in 1851, the nation celebrated the Victorian era, when the Great Exhibition was held in Hyde Park. Albert Thurston received an Honourable Mention for the excellent standard of their products.

By now, Albert Thurston had become a by-word for quality in gentlemens' accessories, and their braces and suspenders were destined to be sported by kings, princes, presidents and successful businessmen across the world over the next 2 centuries.

Sir Ralph Richardson
Into the twentieth century, Thurston's reputation for quality and style has continued to grow.When asked for his reaction to the outbreak of war in 1939, actor Sir Ralph Richardson replied that he had gone straight to his tailor on Savile Row and purchased half a dozen pairs of Thurston braces in case they might be in short supply. 

 

 

page from catalogue 1870s

This page from a catalogue from the 1870s demonstrates the meticulous attention to detail which has been handed down through the generations. 
view a sample page
Hollywood Stars wear suspenders

In modern times, Thurston attire has featured in manyHollywood films, including "Leap of Faith" with Steve Martin and "Wall Street" with Michael Douglas.
Now, in the 21st century, Thurstons are delighted to bring their very traditional skills to the modern world of the web to enable you to shop in the comfort of your own home.