This month, Brummell celebrates longevity. Old age isn’t so bad, Maurice Chevalier is supposed to have quipped, not when you consider the alternative. But the French actor and singer didn’t have it quite right – old age is not just the considerably lesser of two evils. With age comes experience, perspective and gravitas.

It is perhaps no surprise that a rash of companies has celebrated anniversaries in an attempt to reinforce brand trust in troubled times. This year, amid much fanfare, Marks & Spencer celebrated its 125th anniversary and Sainsbury's its 140th. Selfridges, 100 years old, arguably has a more momentous anniversary to celebrate.