M&S Archive
@MandSHeritage
Followers
14,168
Following
1,326
Media
3,996
Statuses
7,411
Sharing the M&S story! Open Mon-Fri and second Saturday of the month 10am-4pm. It's free to visit, see our website for more info.
Leeds, UK
Joined October 2012
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
Real Madrid
• 360205 Tweets
Vini
• 198121 Tweets
Eminem
• 167043 Tweets
River
• 139180 Tweets
Celtics
• 135828 Tweets
The Atlantic
• 84846 Tweets
Knicks
• 69441 Tweets
LeBron
• 65311 Tweets
Tatum
• 57745 Tweets
Lakers
• 53791 Tweets
Tulsi
• 52401 Tweets
Bronny
• 41135 Tweets
Mineiro
• 38005 Tweets
John Kelly
• 37960 Tweets
#WWENXT
• 30165 Tweets
Cano
• 28256 Tweets
Deyverson
• 27245 Tweets
Nacho
• 26935 Tweets
Hulk
• 25833 Tweets
Gallardo
• 20468 Tweets
Chandler
• 19687 Tweets
Fonseca
• 18718 Tweets
#DWTS
• 17594 Tweets
Mikal Bridges
• 16952 Tweets
#ManiaDeVocê
• 16054 Tweets
Borja
• 12938 Tweets
Brunson
• 11935 Tweets
東京メトロ
• 11759 Tweets
What a treat in the post today - an incredible donation of 1970s bedding.
Looking forward to getting these catalogued and added to the collection!
41
57
1K
Can you ever have too much brown and orange...?
Incredible in-store display, c1974
62
49
727
Last minute Christmas shopping? Spare a thought for the recipient of this shirt, gifted from an elderly aunt in 2001.
The ochre knitted Crimplene not being quite to his taste, he popped into his local store to return it, only to discover it dates from c1970!
35
73
672
We've found our new fave photo!
Here are Bee, Nancy and Kath in 1939. They're on a staff trip to the Isle of Man, wearing their 10 shilling M&S 'midi suits'.
19
39
517
This is our first ever store team photo and we love it.
These young women worked in our Oldham Street Penny Bazaar in Manchester, and this picture was taken in 1898.
6
50
467
Imagine the work that went into creating this display....
A whirlwind of hats in Croydon store, 1955
7
61
416
Today we're busy looking into St Michael toiletries, including these original drawings for 1980s bubble bath - we're relaxed just looking at them!
27
16
397
An exceptional collar or two...
Autumn fashions in 1972
18
36
372
1970s Marketing Dept: How do we promote our shiny, black, wet-look raincoat?
Me: Model in graveyard with praying kid?
Marketing: Let's do it!
15
106
369
We may be pushing the boundaries of what our Twitter followers want... but we love the 1976 back entrance to Brent Cross! Look at that porch!
18
22
357
So many details in this 1930s photo – Just visible are the free knitting patterns available with wool purchases, amazing stained glass on the left and beautifully twisted skeins of wool at the front. Fact fans – Botany wool is a historic term for merino wool!
9
42
336
We can't mention matching kitchenware without showing at least a little bit of Autumn Leaves...
26
15
341
Couldn't let the week end without a mini-skirt tribute to Mary Quant's influence on high street fashion, from our 1969 collection.
4
43
337
Like a vision of the future...! Shoppers arriving at Merry Hill near Dudley by monorail and mini, 1990
9
46
290
Sticking with the 70s, this time it's men's PJs - glorious.
16
30
281
We're finding this card of embroidery threads a calming sight this afternoon. It's from the records of our in-house embroiderer who designed motifs for M&S garments in the 1970s.
8
29
272
So much gorgeous fashion illustration to appreciate, so little time. This beautiful example from 1970 shows the choices in hemline length for the season.
7
26
270
Brightening your Tuesday with this excellent 80s outfit - the yellow socks finish it off perfectly!
13
17
266
Inspired by last night’s
#SewingBee
, here’s our
#ThrowbackThursday
sharing one of our ‘New Look’ dresses, boasting the typical characteristics of the
#Dior
designs of a cinched in waist and full skirt.
16
22
268
The detail on these dresses....!
A wonderful store interior shot, c1939.
By the 1930s display had become an important part of day-to-day business. Guidance was given to store managers, who were also encouraged to use their own knowledge to ensure products looked their best.
10
24
242
'Ever-elegant St Michael classics' in 1966, complete with amazing Paisley-knit stockings and chenille beret!
6
28
245
Sorry, not sorry, for sharing one last 1980s layering masterclass.
This checked dress/tweed coat was shown at the 1983 press show.
5
17
235
A fantastic photo of our Leeds store in 1934. We moved down Briggate to our current store in 1951.
9
13
237
Some of the objects we look after come to us with detailed provenance stories. A customer called Anna bought these dresses in the late 1950s. They were worn by all 5 of her granddaughters, with the hems repeatedly let up and down as they kids grew & the dresses were passed on.
6
33
222
Repacking this beauty today, a 1970s children's denim jacket with VERY 1970s embroidery detail.
18
8
224
The most recent addition to our collection... these beautiful, if robust, 1950s winceyette pjs.
They were bought by the wearer's mother, to keep her warm at her cold boarding school!
6
13
219
Anyone remember this chap? He graced our food carrier bags in the 1970s/80s.
12
10
219
Here's a final reminder to nip out for your essential chocolate lime fingers and tinned strawberries!
Christmas food, 1965.
11
24
219
It's home time. Turn off that VT-100 and head home for a glass of liebfraumilch with the newest episode of Bergerac...
The newest office-wear in 1982.
14
19
223
Here's some jewel-bright colour for this Tuesday afternoon! Jersey dresses from 1960 in the most beautiful shades.
9
18
219
Meeting all domestic needs in the early 70s. Anyone remember so much brown?!
26
17
209
These. Look. Incredible.
1980s microwave food at its best!
24
24
211
Thought we'd share this beautiful 1930s design today, it was used on our carrier bags at the time... we're loving the fonts - all four of them!
8
15
210
So who's still at work today, and who's lounging around the house in their 'Washable Arnel Culotte Outfit?
17
24
205
Cup of tea anyone? Only if it can be served in something as stylish as our Art Deco cup and saucer set from the 1920s!
#artdeco
#homeware
#vintagehomestyle
#vintagestyle
11
18
202
Our ‘Tango ware’ brightened up breakfast tables in the 1930s, no matter how dark and blustery it was outside!
12
25
198
Fancy a peek behind the scenes?
The archive collection is stored in our temperature-controlled strongroom - all 72,000 items!
5
11
203
Preparing knitwear for researchers today, always a joy to stumble upon this chap!
The label was attached to a pink cardigan, c1957.
2
14
201
The more you look, the more you see...
This beaut of a print is taken from one of our CC41 aprons and is a total joy.
5
19
199
In 1960 we began sizing our childrenswear by age, this brilliant illustration accompanied an article about the further development of those sizing standards in 1966.
4
13
199
Stop what you're doing and look at the detail on those knickers...
This was a brilliant surprise in the post today, a selection of pristine 50s nylon lingerie found at one of our stores.
7
15
192
10 out of 10 for layering... we're loving the textures in this 1984 look.
Now, how do we get our hands on that cardigan...??
11
21
193
A great early photo of York store.
'Admission Free' doesn't mean other shops charged for entry, it was just a clever marketing tactic!
4
16
191
Paisley purple pyjamas in their prime.
St Michael News 1971.
15
30
186
Browsing our food packaging this afternoon, came across this fabulous illustration on a packet of 1980s pasta!
5
10
183
New addition is just our cup of tea! Original 1930s tea set in ultra stylish Art Deco design. Gorgeous!
7
10
188
Our reading room was busy yesterday - students were taking a closer look at 1950s fashion, including these stunning dresses.
8
24
187
We're big fans of 1980s kitchen decor... are you a red accessories person? Or prefer the beige?
Both available in M&S in 1985.
29
14
181
Monday is making us want to lounge, preferably in one of these beautiful 1930s 'Art. Silk' robes...
Art. Silk (artificial silk) was the name given to a rayon fabric, popular for lingerie and sleepwear at M&S in the 1930s and 1940s.
5
26
179
Variations on Faceshaper packaging - 1982 and 1984, an early 80s essential!
23
16
173
Having a closer look at this fabulous photoshoot today.
In 1954 Royal Festival Hall was 'a splendid background for St Michael Jerseywear'.
10
18
173
14
10
167
In need of outfit inspo for New Year's Eve? These guys from 1982 have got it right - checks and neon all the way!
9
21
165
Did friendly colleague one-upmanship get a bit out of hand in the Bradford store catering team in 1930?!
6
14
165
It’s
#FlashbackFriday
we’re wondering who remembers our bestselling range 'Autumn Leaves' from the
#1980s
?
28
12
168
THIS is the outing we want to go on this weekend! Do you think there was a memo about colour co-ordinating mini dresses?!
9
9
166
On yet another glorious sunny day, we feel like sharing this
#1930s
swimwear advertisement, when woollen swimsuits were a thing!
4
24
160
We hold a huge collection of these - recipes for the many, MANY different types of biscuits we sold in the 1950s!
8
14
159
We aim to share as much of the collection as we can, which means we change our displays regularly.
Here’s a sneak peek of what’s going into the display cases for reopening on the 8th January!
6
15
166
Marspun dresses: 340 designs, 2000 colour-ways... anyone else fancy a shopping trip to 1956?
#marspun
#1950s
#textileinnovation
#shopping
10
21
161
A lovely surprise in the post this morning. Brighton store found these 1950s men's pyjamas in a cupboard and sent them our way - Still with a bit of the original packaging!
8
9
158
Planning a nice weekend trip? We like the look of a hovercraft trip, courtesy of 1969!
5
25
158
Models at our 1947 lingerie show, wearing some stunning nightwear....!
9
14
154
A Friday flashback to a browner era!
The customer service desk in the corner of Kensington store in 1983
6
15
158
Festive party coming up? Two 1955 frocks to choose from - cocktail included with each!
7
9
153
The glamour of air travel in 1959!
This range came in a 'dashing Dress Robertson tartan', and included the 'Nightler' for 35s and the 'Shirtler' (for keeping shirts crisp and neat) for 24s 11d!
3
16
158
The key trends for Autumn 1984: Workwear, Lacquer Brights and Woodland.
What's your look of choice...?
11
17
150
A welcome sight on a dark evening...!
Food hall entrance, late 1970s
#MuseumWeek2023
#FoodMW
2
12
150
Updating a couple of cases in our exhibition today, which 1970s outfit would you choose...?
Collar detail to help your decision!
18
12
149
Featuring staff from the M&S Buying Department, this joyous 1950s advert is always a delight.
11
17
148
The early 1990s... when all your small appliances matched!
More great Autumn Leaves from 1991.
6
9
143
Here’s our women’s Autumn Winter collection from 1971. It was all about warm berry and plum tones!
#vintagefashion
#1970s
#autumn
#winter
6
17
145
Today we're admiring the simplicity of this packaging... looks more retro than the year it was sold, any guesses?
24
8
143
Nothing says Halloween like a 'wet-look' coat in a graveyard.
Yours for 195 shillings in 1970!
10
19
144
Wrap yourself in one of 1972’s floral towels and ‘disappear’ into the wallpaper…
17
21
146
Brides and grooms-to-be!
Unsure about what to put on your wedding list?
Let this array of St Michael homeware inspire you!
All available in 1984.
13
11
146
Today we're appreciating the small things - these early 1980s fruit and veg labels, by our packaging designer Charlie Wilkinson.
0
11
148
Miffy jumper and blue cord flares, could this kids' outfit get any more 70s?
Currently on display in our
#Leeds
exhibition.
8
11
144
Here's something to brighten up your Wednesday afternoon. A deceptively detailed New Look beauty from c1955. We can't get enough of those cuffs!
#1950s
#newlook
#newlookfashion
#limegreen
5
11
142
M&S has always invested in its people. Elizabeth Gibbs became Travelling Manageress in 1909 - the first official staff training role at M&S. She visited stores, training Sales Assistants to become Manageresses. She was apparently pretty formidable - but great taste in hats!
3
12
146
Absolutely desperate for a gooseberry fool right now, we don't eat enough fools IMHO.
Tasty-looking desserts from 1997.
12
3
145
M&S kidswear has always been created with care so clothes can be handed on time after time, this 1950s dress was worn by five family members before coming to the Archive, and now our kids' jackets come with a name label ready for three owners.
6
22
142
Here's Katherine, she worked at M&S during the war, and trained in ARP to help look after the store, her colleagues and customers.
She started working at our Harrogate store in the 1920s, and retired in 1974.
#IWD2022
2
16
140
Crimplene, a
#1970s
classic. If you were too young for Crimplene first time round, why not ask a relative to describe their favourite Crimplene clobber?
#HBAHFashion
@BeginsHistory
13
30
141
This
#1970s
#Crimplene
shirt was was given as a
#Christmas
present from an elderly aunt in 2001. Being not quite to his taste, the recipient took it back to his local M&S, only to realise it was 40+ years old! We were delighted when it was 're-gifted' to the archive!
5
43
140
That’s a lot of stools! This is a typical example of a 1940s M&S café bar, providing good value hot meals which didn’t use up precious ration tokens. There’s a sign stating that customers could only order one dish containing meat, fish, game, poultry, cheese or egg each.
5
21
136
The carpet, the lights, the signage... anyone else getting flashbacks?
Bromley store in 1977.
11
7
135
"No woman of today can afford to be without the leather-bound time organiser"
Hope you're as prepared for the week ahead!
Our Tapestry range was a favourite in 1993.
13
12
138
Putting the product through its paces.
Anyone else itching to browse those late 50s rails?
7
10
138
The calm before the storm....
Here's the food tills at Brentwood after a refurb in 1981, please keep it tidy!
3
7
138
Early 80s childhood flashback! Family shopping trip on Saturday mornings, choosing one of these as a special treat (Chocolate every time - Strawberry and Toffee also available, if memory serves), then enjoying it in front of The Dukes of Hazzard or The A-Team! Good times!
9
7
136
This is our earliest known store team photo, taken in 1898. These women worked at the Marks & Spencer Penny Bazaar in Oldham Street, Manchester.
2
22
135
While our CC41 dresses are often admired, today we're giving this Utility Wear bra a moment in the spotlight. It's got delicate floral embroidery, adjustable ribbon straps and an elastic panel at the back to improve the fit.
6
13
130
We've spent far too long gazing at this new addition to the collection this morning. Found amongst the papers of an M&S display manager, this photo of our
#Leicester
store is full of
#1960s
details.
8
16
131
Too much glamour for a Friday morning...
In 1977 we described this garment as a 'bra nightie', which doesn't quite do it justice!
6
13
127