Why it belongs in ORBIS
Lock & Co Hatters traces its London business to Robert Davis's shop in 1676 and the later involvement of James Lock. Its range includes felt hats and caps, with the Coke or bowler forming part of its history. The shop also provides guidance on hat selection and care to help customers consider fit and material before a purchase.
Lock & Co Hatters traces its history to the shop opened by Robert Davis in London in 1676. The Lock family became connected with the business through James Lock, who inherited it after marrying into the Davis family. Its St James's Street history is part of the shop's identity, alongside the hats it supplies today.
The present range includes felt hats and caps, with seasonal styles and a separate interest in the Coke, or bowler. The company also publishes guidance on choosing a hat and caring for it after purchase. Shape and fit are practical starting points, particularly for someone who usually buys caps but is considering a more structured hat.
Try the relevant style with the clothes and outerwear you expect to wear, rather than selecting it from a historical association alone. Ask how the actual material should be stored and cleaned before making a final choice. A business with a long London history can still sell products with different material and manufacturing origins, which need checking individually.