Dates

• Existence: fl. 1880-

Biography

Colombo Apothecaries Company was a mercantile concern established by W. M. Smith and James Smith Finlay in the De Soysa Buildings, Slave Island, Colombo in 1883. In 1887 it moved into a small store at the junction of York and Prince's Street. In 1889 an oilman's store and a wine and spirits department were added. The store continued to grow. Wright states that 'subsequently stationery, china, fancy goods, photography and photographic supplies, electro-plated ware and boats and shoes [were added]. A further extension took in drapery, outfitting, hardware, toys, games and athletic goods' (Wright, 1907). The company took the name 'Colombo Apothecaries Company' in 1892. An outfitters, tailors and shoemakers branch employed 300 people in Baillie Street. The chairman in 1907 was Sir W. W. Mitchell, the general manager was C. Davidson.

In the early 1890s 'the photographic studio was moved to more suitable quarters at Kandy, where climatic influences are more propitious for high class photographic work than in Colombo. At this studio views are turned out by thousands and sent to all parts of the world. They include representations of the famous Buried Cities of Ceylon, concerning which the company publishes a very interesting catalogue; while at the Colombo store is a dark-room, where all conveniences are provided for the use of amateurs, passengers, and others, and a large stock of photographic materials is kept. A completely fitted job-printing department has also been added, having electricity for its motive power' (Wright, 1907). The firm probably took over the stock of Charles T. Scowen and Co.

Sources:

Wright, Arnold ed. (1907), 'Twentieth century impressions of Ceylon: its history, people, commerce, industries, and resources'. London: Lloyd's Greater Britain Publishing Co.

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