his masters voice
on the 20th July 1921 a new type of record store was opened. hmv virtually invented the concept of in-store personal appearances with Sir Edward Elgar, the celebrated British composer, opening our very first hmv based in London, Oxford Street .Our hmv store was a first for record retailing on the high street and we gave people the opportunity to experience the music they were hearing at the concert hall, in their homes.
our very first hmv was known as the Gramophone Company hence the association with our trademark “His Master’s Voice”.
His Masters Voice is the painting by Francis Barraud of a Jack Russell, “Nipper”, listening to an old gramophone. Over the years we have updated the image in our store and online advertising.