J A Braithwaite closure sparks interest as museum preservation explored

Efforts may now be underway to preserve part of one of Dundee’s most historic businesses following the closure of J A Braithwaite after 158 years.

Anna Day, Head of Cultural Services at Leisure & Culture Dundee, has publicly expressed interest in exploring whether elements of the coffee shop’s interior can be saved.

In a comment shared online, she indicated that “the McManus and a few of the museums” would be keen to make contact to see if any fixtures, fittings or features could be preserved.

Heather Street Food, next to V&A Dundee, run by Chris Heather, also commented and asked for the owner’s contact details to see if they could help “keep this special place alive” and that they hope it wasn’t the end of the story.

The development comes shortly after confirmation that the long-standing Castle Street business has closed, with the owners retiring and bringing an end to a shop that first opened in City Square in 1868 before relocating in 1932.

While no formal plans have been confirmed, the possibility of salvaging parts of the interior is expected to be welcome by many, particularly given the strong public reaction to the closure.

For generations, J A Braithwaite was not only a place to visit, but a space filled with distinctive character and history that reflected Dundee’s past.

There is also precedent for this kind of preservation in Dundee. Following the fire at Robertsons furniture store in 2022, items from the historic premises were saved and are now on display at The McManus, including original signage. That effort helped retain a visible link to a well-known part of the city’s heritage.

If a similar approach is taken, elements of J A Braithwaite could potentially be preserved for future display, ensuring that part of its legacy remains accessible to the public despite the closure.

While nothing is guaranteed at this stage for J A Braithwaite, it signals a recognition of the cultural value attached to long-standing independent businesses and the role they play in shaping the city’s identity.