Discover the remarkable connection between Albert Best and Sam Birtwistle. A fascinating Teignmouth history story linking two independent shopkeepers 150 years apart.
A Remarkable Coincidence
My first shop was at 11 Northumberland Place in Teignmouth.
As my business grew, I later moved to 11 Somerset Place, where Voyage Art Galleries is based today.
Only afterwards did I discover that Albert Best had done exactly the same thing.
He also began trading from Northumberland Place before later moving his expanding business to 11–15 Somerset Place.
Out of all the buildings in Teignmouth, I somehow ended up following almost the identical business journey.
It still feels like one of those strange coincidences that makes you stop and smile.
A Family Business Then… and Now
Albert Best built far more than a successful plumbing and building company. He created a genuine family business that eventually became J.G. Best & Sons, employing local people for generations before finally closing in the late 1970s. Voyage Art may be very different, but family has always been at its heart too. My mum has helped me throughout the journey (I have been very lucky that she has retired and wants to be active and not to be just sitting in the house).
My partner has supported the business whenever she can. Which is kind as she a part-time job. Even our children have become involved—usually helping with photographs, testing products or making everyone laugh while trying to take pictures! Perhaps every great family business has willing (or unwilling!) helpers.
Who Was Albert Best?
Albert William Best was born in Teignmouth in 1840, just 25 years after the Battle of Waterloo.
He began work at just 14 years old, serving a seven-year apprenticeship as a plumber before establishing his own business.
Through determination, hard work and excellent craftsmanship, his company grew into one of the town’s largest employers.
By 1919, newspaper reports recorded that 28 demobilised servicemen were employed by A. Best Ltd., a remarkable achievement for a local business of the time.
His work also helped shape Devon beyond Teignmouth. His company, Hawking & Best, played a major role in constructing Venford Reservoir on Dartmoor, officially opened in 1907. Today, a granite plaque on the dam still commemorates the project, which is shown in the photo below.
The Man Who Recorded Everyday Teignmouth!
Albert Best wasn’t only a successful businessman.
He was also an extraordinary observer of everyday life.
From 1865 until just one week before his death in 1920, he kept a detailed diary almost every single day.
Those diaries have become one of the most valuable records of Victorian and Edwardian life in Teignmouth.
Rather than simply recording major historical events, Albert documented ordinary life.
He wrote about:
- Severe storms
- Local celebrations
- Business life
- Births and deaths
- Royal occasions
- Town improvements
- Friendships
- Everyday conversations
- National events
- Personal triumphs and tragedies
Together they paint an incredibly vivid picture of what life was really like over 150 years ago.
Serving the Community
Albert wasn’t someone who simply ran a business.
He spent decades volunteering for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a Friendly Society that helped ordinary working people before welfare systems existed.
Members paid small weekly contributions which provided financial help if they became ill, unemployed or suffered hardship.
Albert served for many years as Treasurer, dedicating countless hours to supporting local families. His diaries show that community mattered just as much to him as business.
Like Albert, I also believe that a business should be part of its community. While I certainly haven’t contributed on the same scale that he did, giving back has always been important to me. As a teenager I volunteered with community groups at the Ice Factory, including helping disabled people, and later I founded the Teignmouth Arts Quarter to help support local artists and independent businesses and at one stage was able to secure funding for the area. I hope Voyage Art Galleries continues to play a small part in Teignmouth’s story for many years to come.
Meeting Royalty
Albert’s diaries also record some fascinating moments in British history. One of the highlights came in 1881, when he marched as a Sergeant with the Devonshire Volunteers during the famous Windsor Review, proudly parading before Queen Victoria.
He later travelled to Hawarden to hear William Gladstone, one of Britain’s greatest Prime Ministers, speak in person. Reading these entries today feels like stepping into a living history book.
Life Wasn't Always Easy
The diaries also remind us that history wasn’t always cheerful.
Albert carefully recorded local tragedies alongside celebrations.
One particularly heartbreaking entry describes the shocking murders committed by a man in Spring Gardens in 1896, an event that deeply affected the whole town.
By recording both joy and sorrow, Albert preserved an honest picture of Teignmouth life that few other towns possess.
Why Albert's Story Means So Much to Me
Running an independent business isn’t always easy.
There are exciting days and there are difficult days.
There are moments when you wonder if all the hard work is worthwhile.
Then I look across the shop at Albert’s photograph.
He faced economic uncertainty.
He worked incredibly long hours. He built something that lasted for generations. His story reminds me that successful businesses aren’t built overnight. They’re built one customer at a time.
One conversation at a time.
One good decision after another.
Although Voyage Art Galleries sells artwork, Fair Trade gifts and supports local artists rather than plumbing and construction (Funny enough my Dad is an expect in that). I like to think we share something important:
A commitment to Teignmouth. Supporting local people. Building something that makes a positive difference.
Visit Voyage Art Galleries
If you visit Voyage Art Galleries in Teignmouth, you’ll probably spot Albert Best looking down from the wall.
Ask me about him.
I’d be delighted to tell you the full story.
It’s become one of my favourite conversations to have with visitors, because it’s a wonderful reminder that every independent shop becomes part of a town’s history.
Perhaps, without even realising it, we’re simply writing the next chapter.
Albert Best's Diaries
Albert Best’s diaries have since been carefully edited and published by his great-great-nephew, Alan Best, helping preserve this remarkable record of Teignmouth’s history for future generations.
If you have an interest in local history, Victorian life or Teignmouth’s past, they’re well worth reading.
They offer an extraordinary glimpse into everyday life that very few towns are fortunate enough to possess.