Solomon Andrews

Part II of our April Welsh Sale showcases twelve historic lots from the Solomon Andrews family, consigned by the John Andrews Charitable Trust, and highlights the legacy of one of Cardiff’s most influential Victorian entrepreneurs.

Solomon Andrews

Solomon Andrews was one of Wales’ most prominent Victorian entrepreneurs and played a key role in transforming the landscape of Cardiff. Born in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, in 1835, he moved to Cardiff in 1851 and began his career as a baker and confectioner. Within five years, he had accumulated enough capital to lease his own shop, and by 1863 he had expanded into operating horse-drawn cabs. From these modest beginnings, he built a vast business empire spanning transportation, retail, and property development.

VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPHS OF SOLOMON ANDREWS

Including a group photograph of Solomon beside freedom casket with other local dignitaries, two head and shoulders portrait, and a seated portrait with mount titled 'Forget Me Not Studios’.

£80-120

18CT GOLD CUFFLINKS

Relating to Solomon Andrews, engraved with 'S.A.' monograms.

£700-900

He is perhaps best known for the Andrews Star Omnibus Company, which operated horse-drawn buses in Cardiff and several other major UK cities. His architectural legacy remains visible today in landmark structures such as the Cardiff Market Buildings on St Mary Street, the Imperial Buildings, and the Andrews’ Buildings on Queen Street. He was also responsible for founding the David Evans department store.

CARDIFF TRANSPORT-RELATED & DEPARTMENT STORE PHOTOGRAPHS

Including photographs of two large David Evans stores in Swansea, period photograph of Cardiff Market with associated period engraving, and various framed reproduction photographs of S. Andrews & Son Cardiff Buses.

£80-120

Beyond Cardiff, Andrews played a key role in developing the West End of Pwllheli as a holiday resort. He also converted Plas Glyn-y-Weddw into Wales’ first public art gallery, which today houses an impressive collection of Welsh porcelain, gifted by the Andrews family.

S Andrews & Son / S Andrews Star Omnibus Company

Incorporated in 1892 in partnership with his son Francis Emile, the Andrews Star Omnibus Company became the foundation of Andrews’ success as one of the United Kingdom’s most significant private transport operators. Building on their established Cardiff business, the company expanded into London and other major cities, including Belfast, Manchester, Leicester, and Nottingham.

Much of its success was driven by the Andrews patent bus, a design he manufactured himself after acquiring a coach-building works in 1872. These vehicles were so highly regarded that the London General Omnibus Company contracted him as a supplier. In Cardiff, his operations were famously competitive, with stories of his buses deliberately driving along tram lines to hinder rival services during the local transport wars of the late 19th century.

ARNOLD CLARKE SHUTTLEWORTH oil

S. Andrews & Son horse-drawn bus in a country lane

£80-120

VINTAGE BUS, RAILWAY & TOLL GATE TICKETS

1950s and later, including London General Omnibus Co. Ltd., Portmadoc Embankment Tollgate, Criccieth District Council parking fee, Llanberis Lake Railway, GNR (Barmouth Jn.), Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway Preservation Co, Launceston Steam Railway, Severn Valley Railway, Teifi Railway, etc.

£150-250

At its peak around 1902, the company’s London division alone operated nearly 250 buses and maintained a stable of over 1,900 horses. However, the business declined with the rise of electric tramways and the unreliability of early motor buses, and was ultimately wound up in 1908 following Andrews’ death the same year.

PRESSED COPPER MEMORIAL PLAQUE

Named to 'Solomon Andrews, died 9th Nov'r 1908, aged 73 years'

£60-100

Today, several of the company’s original horse-drawn buses have been preserved and can be seen at the London Bus Museum and St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff.

The first Welsh Sale of 2026 will take place on 19th and 21st April. Part I will focus on Welsh artwork, while Part II will feature Welsh furniture, ceramics, books, unreserved Welsh art, and historic items from the Solomon Andrews family.

The auction will be online to view in its entirety by the 20th March.

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