Graham Brothers, Preston

A carte-de-visite showing the premises of Graham Brothers at 151 Church Street, Preston, Lancashire.

The following is taken from a trade directory dating from around 1889:

Graham Brothers, Wholesale Grocers, Bakers and Italian Warehousemen, 151, Church Street, and Avenham Street, Preston. – No review of the leading industrial and commercial institutions of Preston would be complete without mention of the important house of Messrs. Graham Brothers, a concern founded in this busy town, and under its present title, upwards of thirty years ago. The business of this typical firm comprises three divisions: (1) the Italian warehouse; (2) the grocery department (wholesale); and (3) the bakery. The first of these is located at 151, Church Street, where the premises occupied consist of a large, lofty, and handsome double-fronted shop, perfectly appointed in all respects, and quite meeting one’s most exigent views as to what should constitute a model Italian warehouse. One side of this fine shop is devoted entirely to the Italian and superior grocery departments, and contains a complete stock of all goods usually classed under these heads. Everything is of first-class quality, and the stock abounds in choice specialities imported from the very best sources of supply abroad. Condiments, foreign comestibles, preserved goods, jams and jellies, pickles, bottled fruits, and all the various lines of selected family groceries, are fully represented; and the establishment is famous in Preston for its superior teas, coffees, cocoa, and chocolate. At the opposite side of the shop is the counter devoted to the firm’s well-known and esteemed specialities in bakery products – plain and fancy breads, cakes, buns, and confectionary of the highest class. […] The trade of the house extends over a radius of thirty miles around Preston, and has a very large and valuable country connection. Mr Herbert Graham is now the sole partner of the firm, and directs with marked ability a business that ranks among the most important and thoroughly representative commercial undertakings in the town.

Photographer unidentified [reverse is blank].