Robert L Smith & Son, Draper & Clothiers

This description was written c.1890. Origin unknown. Perhaps an "advertorial" in the local newspaper?

"For nearly half a century past the business conducted by ROBERT L SMITH & SON, Draper & Clothiers, has justly enjoyed the distinction of being the leading house engaged in this branch of commercial activity in Dunoon and from the importance of its operations fully merits the prominent notice accorded to it in these pages.

The business was established in 1845 by Mr George Keith, and on his health causing him to emigrate acquired by Mr R L Smith who was subsequently joined in the proprietary by his son trading under the style indicated at the head of this sketch.

The establishment is centrally situated in Hafton Place, the premises comprising a commanding shop with four plate glass windows very effectively arranged with a splendid assortment of goods and forming one of the most attractive features of this busy thoroughfare.

The interior is very handsomely appointed and is divided into the drapery and tailoring departments, the former displaying an infinite variety of all the new season's material in ladies' silk and other dress goods, general and fancy drapery trimmings, hosiery and gloves of the highest quality specially selected for this trade from the stocks of the leading manufacturers of the Kingdom. The tailoring department shows a great variety of the most fashionable styles in Scotch Cheviot and English Tweeds, Worsteds and West of England and Melton cloths for gentlemen's coatings, suitings and trouserings which are made up on the premises by a staff of experienced hands retained for the purpose.

The cutting department is under the direct supervision of the principals, whose careful attention to every detail of the work ensures perfection of the cut, fit, workmanship and material in all orders executed by the firm. Special attention is directed by the proprietors to family mourning and liveries, while the resources at their command enable them to complete with the utmost promptitude.

In the millinery, mantle and costume show rooms Messrs Smith display a comprehensive selection of these goods in the most fashionable London and Parisian styles and in connection with this department is provided a spacious workroom for the staff of modistes engaged in the execution of orders of this description. A widespread and influential clientele has been established by the firm which embraces the leading residents and visiting gentry in the district who have for many years past extended the most substantial support to this deservedly popular business house. The services of a number of attentive assistants are retained in the several departments of the business under the personal direction of the Principals whose thoroughly practical knowledge of every branch of the trade is amply evidenced in the system and order which prevail in the management of the establishment. The individual members are widely known and esteemed in local circles. Mr Robert L Smith, the senior partner, having held the appointment of Provost of the Burgh, to the highest satisfaction of his colleagues and fellow townsmen besides being a member of School, Parochial and other boards, and Mr James R L Smith, a Lieughtenant in the Argyle & Bute Artillery, is deservedly popular with all ranks in the Regiment."

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