TATTERSALLS celebrates 250 years in business this year, a landmark that few ever reach. Founded by Richard Tattersall in 1766, it was in the same family until the death in 1942 of Somerville Tattersall.

Having no family member to follow him into the business, ownership transferred to his partners Gerald Deane, Robert Needham and Terrence Watt. The family ethos continues today, though the current chairman Edmond Mahony is keen to stress that it is a modern business model.