An institution of quality and service.
The business was started by Robert P Jackson in 1866 at Number 3, Slater Street, Liverpool. In 1892 he was joined by his son John and the business became known as R Jackson & Son. The son, Harry, joined in 1900 and with this came a business name change to R Jackson & Sons which, three generations later, remains their trading name. The old romantic in us loves the facade. Although a tad tatty, it isn’t often you see an original namesake with an indication of generations of family in the name.
In 1925 relocation was made to Number 18a Slater Street and the business remained at this address until it was bombed in the May Blitz of 1941. Today the family business continues at Number 20 Slater Street, its present address. Whilst it being one of, if not the, oldest independent in Liverpool, it is also up there with the oldest art shop in the whole UK. It may look closed down from the outside but it’s very much open.
R. Jackson & Sons have been supplying quality artists’ equipment for a century and a half and past customers include Augustus John and Stuart Sutcliffe. Whether you are a professional artist, a student or just painting for pleasure, they have something for you. Their stock includes oils and oil bars, water colours and gouache, inks, acrylics, pastels, print-making materials, gilding materials, a wide range of working papers and canvas off the roll which can be stretched to order.
Special thanks to Vici MacDonald for the picture.