This nostalgic auction promises a rare glimpse into British high street heritage, featuring a classic WH Smith delivery bicycle, historic signage and beautifully detailed scale models of a typical WH Smith store from the 1930s and 1950s. “It's a privilege to bring these fascinating and historically significant pieces to auction. They don’t just tell the story of WH Smith - they speak to a wider narrative about the evolution of British retail, design, and daily life throughout the 20th century.”
Chorley’s Auctioneers is delighted to announce the upcoming sale of a unique selection of retail memorabilia from the historic WH Smith Archive Trust collection.
This nostalgic auction promises a rare glimpse into British high street heritage, featuring standout pieces such as a classic WHSmith delivery bicycle, beautifully detailed scale models of typical WHSmith stores from the 1930s and 1950s and a rare bust of the Rt Hon WH Smith himself.
The items are from the WH Smith Archive Trust and represent the enduring legacy of one of the UK’s most recognisable brands. Each piece reflects the company’s central role in British retail history, particularly in literature, stationery, and newspaper distribution.
Classic WH Smith Newspaper Delivery Bicycle
An adapted version of the iconic “Model N” tradesman’s bicycle by Gundle for WH Smith, complete with the traditional frame and branding that evokes a bygone era of pedal-powered service.
1930s and 1950s Store Models
Intricately crafted scale representations including WH Smith’s Bridge House formerly on the Albert Embankment and a classic mid-century WH Smith store model showcasing period detail down to the signage, shop layout and miniature newspapers and books, offering an evocative window into the pre and post-war British high street.
Original ‘Newsboy’ advertising signs and wrought iron logo signs
evoking memories of an era of printed newspapers delivered by thousands of young men and women each day on bicycles
A rare marble bust of the Right Hon. W. H. Smith MP
by Henry Pinker (1849-1927)
More about the pioneering retail history of WH Smith
WHSmith, founded in 1792 by Henry Walton Smith and his wife Anna in London, began as a small news vendor. Their son, William Henry Smith, expanded it into a family business. In the 1840s, WHSmith pioneered railway bookstalls, revolutionising book and newspaper distribution.
The company grew steadily, becoming a staple on British high streets. It diversified into books, stationery, and entertainment, and by the 21st century had expanded internationally, becoming a global brand in airports and stations.
More about the WH Smith Archive Trust
The WH Smith Archive Trust was originally set up in October 1997 by the WH Smith family and the Company as a discrete archive to manage and preserve the historical collection of letters, documents, miscellaneous materials and artefacts relating to the WH Smith family and the Company. The Trustees of the WH Smith \Archive Trust donated the historical collection of letters and documents to the University of Reading in 2010. The net proceeds from the sale of these items will be donated to charity.
The auction will be held online from the 10th August, ending on the 31st August. Viewing by appointment at Chorley’s saleroom
Explore Chorley's August 2025 Auction of the WH Smith Archive
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