Yeovil's Virtual Museum

In the 1891 edition of 'Where to Buy' Frank Gaylard's business was given the following description -

Mr F W Gaylard,
Hairdresser, Perfumer, and Importer of Tobacconists' Fancy Goods,
Hendford, opposite the "Choughs" Hotel

The hair is a most important subject, being an index to the health of the brain and to a person's general character. When kept in good order it acts as a powerful aid to the general health of the organs of the head, each hair being like a reed attracting vitality from the atmosphere and supplying a means of escape for many of the subcutaneous humours which, if allowed to accumulate beneath the skin, would produce many symptoms of decreased vitality and loss of that vigorous, mental power which is necessary for the full enjoyment of our faculties. [Did people really believe this twaddle?]

The care, therefore, of the hair and of the scalp is of grave importance, and great discrimination should be exercised in the use of pomades and washes, and also in
the character of the hairdresser to whom we resort. One of the best houses in this line in Yeovil is Mr F W Gaylard's. The proprietor has had a long experience, and has made a special study of his profession, the result of this being seen in the excellent character of his rooms and the fine selection of safe and effective preparations which he keeps for application to the hair and head.

The premises are situated in the Borough, near the Town Hall, the Banks, and the two leading hotels. The rooms are fitted up in modern style, with all the latest improvements. There are two rooms for gentlemen, one on the ground floor with four chairs, and one on the first landing with three chairs, so that seven gentlemen can be attended to simultaneously. A ladies' saloon, equipped with every convenience for shampooing and general toilet, is provided in an adjoining apartment. Special skill and care are given to the work of this branch, and also to the manufacture of ornamental hair. Throughout the saloons the furnishing is of a high class, the silver-plated mountings producing a handsome effect. The shampooing accommodation is simply luxurious; the hair-brushing machines are driven by a handy Ramsbottom's water engine, while all the rooms are fitted up with electric bells. Skillful assistants are employed, Mr Gaylard directing every department of the business.

A good assortment of preparations and toilet requisites is kept, but we have space to mention only a few of the leading specialties. The eucalyptus hair wash supplies a
valuable means of cleansing the scalp and stimulating the growth and healthy action of the hair, at the same time that it lubricates and refreshes the hair itself. It promotes the natural health of the hair follicles, and supplies the phosphoric element which is necessary to the vitality of the nerves. In addition to this we noticed a specially good shaving cream, which makes a most agreeable lather that will not dry on the face, and can be used with hot or cold water. We can speak of both of these from personal experience, and both the Eucalyptus and the Shaving Cream require only to be known to be appreciated. There is also a fine assortment of Knopp's hollow ground razors, for the sale of which Mr Gaylard is agent. The "House of Commons" hair brush is a speciality of a superior quality, and has been supplied by Mr Gaylard to several members. We are not in a position to say whether these brushes are kept in different kinds to suit the heads of Liberal and Conservative statesmen, but they are very fine and handsome goods, and ought to prove invaluable after an "all night sitting," either on the Government or Opposition side of the House.

The department devoted to tobacconists' goods contains a selection of pipes in wood and meerschaum, mounted in silver and other metals, as well as cigars of the best brands, cigarettes, cigar cases, &c, &c. The success which he has achieved is as well merited as it is substantial; the most constant care is taken to supply the most reliable goods, and in all ways to consult the interests of his customers.