His Masters Voice, The Gramophone Company Ltd.
Hayes, Middlesex

Brand: HMV

HMV's story starts in 1898 with the Gramophone Company, a London hub for distributing records. Their iconic trademark, "His Master's Voice," emerged in the same year, featuring Nipper, a dog listening to a gramophone. In 1921, the 1st HMV store opened, offering records & gramophones directly to music fans.

HMV thrived throughout the 20th century, expanding across the UK and internationally. Their stores offered not just music but also instruments & electronics. The rise of digital music in the 2010s challenged their model, leading to financial difficulties.

HMV has undergone ownership changes and store closures, with a focus on online sales in some regions. Despite challenges, HMV continues to adapt, offering curated physical media alongside online options and even live music events. Nipper remains a symbol of HMV's dedication to bringing the joy of music to generations.

HMV: A Journey Through Sound, Forever Loyal to "His Master's Voice"

HMV, a name synonymous with music for generations, boasts a rich history that reflects the evolution of the music industry itself. Here's a detailed look at its journey, intertwined with the story of the iconic Nipper painting.

From Humble Beginnings to Retail Powerhouse (1898-1921):
The story starts in 1898 with the Gramophone Company, founded in London. Though initially a modest operation, it quickly grew into a central hub for distributing Berliner gramophones and discs throughout Britain. This success laid the groundwork for a more ambitious vision.

The Birth of "His Master's Voice" (1898):
In 1898, a crucial element of HMV's future identity emerged. The Gramophone Company adopted the now-iconic "His Master's Voice" trademark. This trademark featured Nipper, a Jack Russell Terrier mix, listening intently to a gramophone. The painting, originally titled "Dog Looking at and Listening to a Phonograph,"  was created by Francis Barraud based on his brother's dog, Nipper. Although Nipper had sadly passed away before the painting's completion, the image resonated with audiences, capturing the magic of recorded sound.

HMV Takes Center Stage (1921):
In 1921, the Gramophone Company took a strategic leap by opening the first HMV store on London's Oxford Street. HMV, standing for "His Master's Voice," served as a dedicated retail arm. This marked a shift from solely distributing through wholesalers, allowing them to directly connect with music enthusiasts. The Nipper painting became a powerful marketing tool, gracing store signage and promotional materials, solidifying its association with the HMV brand.

Expansion and Domination (Later 20th Century):
HMV thrived throughout the 20th century, capitalizing on the growing popularity of recorded music. With the iconic Nipper painting and the red, white, and black logo becoming familiar sights across the UK, HMV offered not just gramophones and records but also sheet music, instruments, and eventually, televisions and other electronics.  HMV's reach extended internationally, establishing stores in countries worldwide.

The Digital Age and Changing Landscape (Early 21st Century):
The rise of digital music and online retailers like Apple's iTunes Store in the early 2010s challenged HMV's traditional business model.  Consumers shifted from purchasing physical records and CDs to downloading digital files, impacting HMV's sales significantly.

Facing Challenges and New Beginnings (2010s-Present):
HMV entered administration (bankruptcy) twice in the 2010s. The company underwent ownership changes, with Canadian retailer Sunrise Records currently operating HMV stores under license. JD Sports owns the HMV brand, highlighting the separation of ownership and operations.

HMV's presence has shrunk in some countries. While the iconic Oxford Street store remains, others have closed, with the focus shifting to online sales in some regions. However, HMV continues to adapt, offering a curated selection of physical media alongside online options and even venturing into live music events.

A Legacy of Music and a Loyal Companion:
HMV's story reflects the evolution of music consumption. It's a testament to the enduring power of music and the company's attempts to adapt to changing times. Whether browsing new releases in a physical store or discovering music online, HMV continues to play a role in connecting people with the music they love. And throughout this journey, Nipper, the loyal dog listening intently to his "master's voice," remains a symbol of HMV's dedication to bringing the joy of music to generations of music lovers.

[1] British Radio Valves The Classic Years 1926 - 1946, Supplement, p. 44]