M&S Archive

Did you know M&S was born in Leeds? Discover the fascinating journey that has made M&S one of Britain's best loved retailers. Explore our exhibition and uncover some fascinating facts from over 135 years of M&S history: Did you know that we sold our first bra in 1926? How about that our scientists worked with the government during WW2 to help with rationing strategy? Or even that when we were one of the first to introduce 'avocado pears' in 1959 one customer tried to serve it as a dessert with custard? From the clothes we wear to the food we eat, our exhibition showcases the M&S Archive collection, tracking the development of the business from 1884 to the present day.