Brashs, formerly Braschs, was an Australian music and electronics retailer. It was founded in 1862 by German Australian Marcus Brasch. The C in the name was dropped during World War I due to anti-Germanic feeling. In addition, the pronunciation of the 'a' was anglicised. The first store in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne specialised in pianos and reed organs and remained the company's flag-ship store until the group's demise. For the latter half of the 19th century and all through the 20th, Brashs remained a leading music house although Victorian-wide expansion did not begin until the mid-1950s and interstate 30 years later, through a combination of acquisitions and new store openings. This resulted in over 100 stores in all states and territories.
Brashs main flagship store at 244 Pitt Street, Sydney. It was opened in December 1986, then closed in April 1998 when Brashs went into administration. From 1999 to 2009 the building was leased out to several bargain stores. This photo taken in March 2010 shows the building empty, ready for demolition.
Angus & Robertson (A&R) is a major Australian bookseller, publisher and printer. As book publishers, A&R has contributed substantially to the promotion and development of Australian literature. The brand currently exists as an online shop owned by online bookseller Booktopia. The Angus & Robertson imprint is still seen in books published by HarperCollins, a News Corporation company.
Interior of a store in 1946, Sydney
Angus & Robertson booksellers, 89 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, 1915. Note "The Sydney Book Club" sign.
Angus & Robertson franchise store, Pitt Street Mall, Sydney, 2005
