Many Scottish archives hold collections of private papers - papers relating to local families, businesses etc.

The trade cards and letterheads of businesses are often found amongst such collections. Though they have not always been thought of as valuable records, they were often richly-illustrated with engravings of the shop premises or works as well as the products, and these engravings provide a unique record of these businesses at specific points in time. Many of the buildings and products recorded on trade cards and letterheads have long since disappeared and the businesses themselves are long-forgotten.

This modest exhibition shows a selection of examples from different times and places in Scotland.

Please contact us if you know of any trade cards or letterheads that you would like to see included in this exhibition.