When tailor CE Seymour first opened in York, Clement Attlee was Prime Minister, Educating Archie made its debut on the radio and rationing was still part of every day life.
Now, 65 years on, owner Richard Seymour is to hang up his tape measure for the last time and shut up shop.
Between them Richard and his father Charles Edward Seymour have stitched beautiful, hand-made suits for generations of York men.
The business was opened by First World War veteran Charles in Church Street in 1950. It moved to its present location, an historic building backing on to the medieval city walls on Bootham, in 1990.
The shop has thrived through several recessions by priding itself on traditional values and excellent customer service.
Richard said it has become a York institution.
Many people have come to York on holiday, visited the shop, and then stayed as customers for years, sometimes decades.
Many customers over the years have added York into their holiday itinerary just to visit the shop.
Despite the popularity of the business with foreign visitors, it is the residents of York and North Yorkshire that have proved to be the mainstay of the company.
“It has been a real pleasure to serve the people of North Yorkshire for all these years,” Richard added.
“As a business we have never really moved with the times, instead we believe that if we look after our customers they will look after us, and I think it is this that has kept people coming back to us year after year.”
Having decided to retire, Richard will be putting up the closed sign for the final time this August.
“I’m 70 next February and I think the time is right to close the business and enjoy my retirement,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to taking up some new hobbies and spending more time with my wife, children and grandchildren.”