Iconic Edinburgh pawnbroker given new lease of life from new owner while preserving store’s history

A new lease of life has been given to an iconic Edinburgh shop after it came under new ownership after 180 years of trading.

Original owner and landlord Edward Fox has passed the keys to Jon Adnitt, H&T's property director Edward Fox, original owner oof Duncan and Edwards and landlord, JOn Adnit Property Director of H & T Pawnbrokers Duncanson & Edwards pawnbroker is being taken over by Harvey & Thompson pawnbrokers

Historic Duncanson and Edwards pawnbrokers on Queen Street is one of the most instantly recognisable shopfronts in Edinburgh, but at the end of September owners announced that it would finally close its doors, with customer’s items being transferred to Ramsdens on Shandwick Place.

Some residents feared that the iconic shopfront in the desirable location may change into a chain high street store or coffee shop, however the landlord and managing director has ensured that its legacy will be retained as it is taken on by leading pawnbroker Harvey and Thompson.

It will be the company’s 253rd shop in the UK, and their fourth in the Capital.

The shop's history will be retained under the new ownership Edward Fox, original owner oof Duncan and Edwards and landlord, JOn Adnit Property Director of H & T Pawnbrokers Duncanson & Edwards pawnbroker is being taken over by Harvey & Thompson pawnbrokers

Property director for Harvey and Thompson, Jon Adnitt said: “We’ve always known about this shop and admired it and been quite jealous of it so when the opportunity came up to take it over, it was a fantastic opportunity for us.

“We don’t want to change it at all really apart from the name, we’ll leave the colouring and the ornaments outside and we’ll have some fresh stock in the windows.

“We’re very pleased to have such an iconic building and we’ll respect it as it should be.”

Former managing director of Duncanson and Edwards and landlord Edward Fox, who has been pawnbroking since he was a teenager and purchased the property in 1995 added: “I wish Harvey and Thompson all the good luck that I’ve had over the years from the property.

“They’ve dedicated a million pounds to lend to the local people of Edinburgh, so the money is there for those who need extra funds.”

A particularly fond memory for Mr Fox who managed Duncanson and Edward was displaying guitars in the windows which came from all over the world as famous bands and musicians passed through the Capital.

Harvey and Thompson have been trading since 1897 and is the largest pawnbroker in the UK. Their new premise on Edinburgh’s Queen Street opened to the public on Thursday 17 October.

While Harvey and Thompson have taken over the shop’s lease, Ramsdens has acquired Duncanson & Edwards name along with all of its business.

Customers who had jewellery or loans held in Duncanson and Edwards have been advised that their items are at Ramsdens new store on Shandwick Place.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to the Edinburgh Evening News online and enjoy unlimited access to trusted, fact-checked news and sport from Edinburgh and the Lothians. Visit https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director