Department Store Button

T. C. Beirne, Valley

State Library Queensland. Thomas Charles Beirne, 1860-1949

In 1891 Thomas Charles Beirne retired from the partnership of ‘Pigott & Beirne’ to open his own drapery store in Brunswick Street,  Fortitude Valley (known as the Valley to locals). He was born in Ireland and came to Melbourne in 1884, before joining his Michael Piggott in partnership in Brisbane. Starting with one store, he was so successful he kept expanding his holding until a huge store existed along Brunswick Street.

State Library Queensland, undated.

From Flickr: The store in 1911.

When Thomas died in 1949 he was remembered as a great statesman. He had been in parliament and on the board of many businesses. He died a millionaire.

Truth (Brisbane), 24th April 1949, page 3.

In 1961 the firm was taken over by David Jones, although it has since changed ownership.

For all comments or queries, please use the contact page.