I Was Lord Kitchener’s Valet, Carnaby Street 1969

This shop became a legendary destination of 1960s Swinging London. Their signature items were decommissioned military uniforms—scarlet tunics, Hussar jackets, policeman’s coats—alongside pop‑art apparel like Union Jack shirts, badges, and novelty souvenirs (postcards, ashtrays)

It was opened in 1965–66 by Ian Fisk and John Paul (later joined by Robert Orbach), it began as a Portobello Road stall and opened its first permanent shop at 293 Portobello Road. Building on its success, the owners expanded rapidly: first to Wardour Street, then branches off Carnaby Street at Foubert’s Place, followed by shops directly on Carnaby Street, Piccadilly Circus, and King’s Road.

Peter Blake and Paul McCartney reportedly drew inspiration for Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band attire from their window displays.

The Carnaby Street shop closed in the late-1970s.

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