Lynton Sheepskin Shop - A Legacy of Craftsmanship

LYNTON SHEEPSKIN SHOP: A Legacy of Craftsmanship

The story of the Geller family is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and entrepreneurship—traits that have been passed down through generations.

Born in Poland and having found refuge in England amidst the Russian revolution in the early 1900’s, the Geller family established their legacy over the years and transformed this legacy into a generational business.

Jack Geller, was born on 7th July 1909, in Westminster, London. He was the youngest of 11 children born to Gershon /Harris Geller and Esther Geller, and was introduced to a world full of craftsmanship and mastery of tailoring. Gershon was a Journeyman Tailor when Jack was born, and by 1911, he had gained a reputation as a Gentleman’s Tailor—a mark of skill and experience in the field.

Jack Geller: A Legacy in the Making

In 1935, Jack—who had already followed in his father’s footsteps and was a recognised tailor—married Lily May Jones in Hertford. Lily, fondly referred to as Joan by those close to her, would eventually play a significant role in the family business.

The birth of their third child, Carla, in Middlesex, in 1939, coincided with the family’s move to Harrow, where Jack started crafting Sheepskin Coats for an shop on Oxford Street.

During the early 1950s, Jack and Joan holidayed in Lynton and fell in love with Hoe Cottage located on North Walk. They were so enamoured with the town’s charm that they decided to purchase the cottage and make Lynton their home.

Jack continued to work for the Oxford Street shop from his home in Lynton, turning fabrics into sheepskin coats that were then transported to London.

Recognising the need for more extensive workshop premises, Jack moved his operations to a building on Queen Street, now known as The Spicy Mare. Initially, this place was intended solely as a workshop until one day, Joan suggested that they display a coat in the window and test the local market’s interest.

Despite Jack’s scepticism about the local demand for sheepskin coats, he agreed to Joan’s idea. The result surprised both of them: the coat sold within two hours, and orders started pouring in shortly after.

This unexpected success led Jack to cease his operations for the London- based shop and focus on the local demand. By 1957, the Geller family had established their own shop on Lee Road in Lynton, the same shop that exists today. From this shop they crafted not only coats but also gloves, bags, and slippers—expanding their product range and catering to a wider customer base.

In 1958, Jack invited his youngest daughter, Carla, to join him at the shop, thus passing on his skills to the next generation. Sadly, Jack Geller passed away in 1984, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to impact future generations.

Today, the shop is in its fourth generation of operation, being run and owned by Joady, Jack’s granddaughter, with help from Jack’s great-grandson, Jamie.

Lynton Sheepskin Shop ...