London’s Lost Department Stores – Special Interest Morning

Presented by Tessa Boase

Social historian Tessa Boase explores the fabulous world of London’s lost department stores.

Two one-hour talks around a delicious morning tea.

London’s department stores were far more than shops. By the late 19th century, they were destinations. Where else would you find a ‘reading room for husbands’ (Selfridges)? A crèche with giant toadstools (D.H Evans)? A service to clean and repair your entire winter wardrobe (Bradleys)? This wonderfully nostalgic and captivating day will take you on a sensory, highly immersive journey backwards in time. We’ll be making stops at:
i. The West End, guided by Edwardian shopping lady Olivia (author of ‘A Prejudiced Guide to the Shops’), seeking out the latest ‘temples of desire’.
ii. The flirty Thirties and its fabulous Deco department stores, from roof gardens to curved glass walls, Coronation fever to marketing stunts.

Dates and Locations

Wednesday 19 August 2026 Molonglo Plains (ACT / NSW)

Click on your preferred location above for more details and to book tickets.