OUR HISTORY
The Origins OF casa ponsol
in donosti
It all began when Don Bernardo Ponsol, of French origin, founded in 1838 the Casa Ponsol, at the same location it still occupies today. This establishment began its journey as a hat shop, offering hats, berets, and all types of headwear for ladies. The foundation of Casa Ponsol in such a distant year makes it the oldest active store in Donostia, the oldest hat shop in the Basque Country, and also in Spain.
At that time, San Sebastián was experiencing the events of the 1st Carlist War, which did not end until the signing of the Convention of Vergara in 1839. It was a time of reconstruction for the city after the fire of 1813 and it began to receive its first visits from illustrious summer visitors, such as Infante Francisco de Paula in 1830.
the First Years
of Casa Ponsol
During the early years, the hat shop was located in the current Plaza de Sarriegui, then known as Plazuela de las Escuelas or de la Higuera. This location was strategic, as the post office and one of the only two hospitality establishments in the city, Fonda Isabel, were both located on the same street, Narrika.
With the demolition of the city walls starting in 1863, the city experienced enormous growth, going from 9,000 inhabitants in 1860 to 41,000 in 1900, and surpassing 85,000 in 1930. Casa Ponsol gained great prestige during this time. After Bernardo's passing, his son Agapito Ponsol e Ybarzabal continued the business.
the Recognition and Prestige of Casa Ponsol
Agapito was a master of berets and earned great recognition. In 1897, Queen Maria Cristina awarded him the title of ‘Purveyor to the Royal Household’ for the quality of his berets, worn by Alfonso XIII. In 1898, E. Flagey's guide for travellers recognised the quality of Casa Ponsol's berets, describing them as light and of irreproachable finish.
the Arrival of José Luis Leclercq at Casa Ponsol
José Luis Leclercq y Uranga, a native of San Sebastián and grandson of Belgians, began working at Casa Ponsol during the time of Agapito. Over time, Leclercq earned Agapito's trust, eventually becoming the manager and later a partner. After Agapito's death in 1922, without heirs, José Leclercq took over the business, maintaining the commercial name of Casa Ponsol.
the Expansion and Difficulties of Casa Ponsol
At the beginning of the 20th century, Casa Ponsol had imported English presses and employed numerous hat makers and seamstresses. During World War I, they began selling rainwear made using the formula of the Casa Macintosh Ltd. of Manchester.
José Leclercq passed away in 1930, and his children Ignacio and José Mari continued the business. During the Spanish Civil War, the store was seized by Falange to make military caps. After the war, the Leclercq family recovered the business, albeit with difficulties.
Our Renewal and Continuity
In 1952, Iñaki Leclercq Díaz, son of Ignacio, and his wife Pilar García Zurbano took over the business, restoring the furniture and stained-glass windows of the establishment. From 1980 onwards, hats regained popularity, and Casa Ponsol also began to market men's clothing.
2018
Recognitions and Distinctions
Casa Ponsol has been awarded the Citizen Merit Medal in recognition of its perseverance and excellence in traditional commerce. This prestigious award celebrates not only the longevity of our store but also the ability to maintain a high-quality brand and a unique identity over the years.
Casa Ponsol Today
Currently, Iñaki Leclercq García, the fourth generation of the Leclercq family, is at the helm of the business. Casa Ponsol continues to be a fashion and quality reference in San Sebastián, preserving its magnificent 19th-century décor, including the original counter, shelves, and display cases, as well as the splendid stained-glass windows signed by "De Taffe, Bruxelles 1893."
Founded in 1838, Casa Ponsol is the oldest hat shop in Spain and a true heritage for all San Sebastián residents, whether they wear hats or not.
"The story of our shop is a story of family, perseverance, and love for what we do. We are proud to carry on, upholding the values and tradition that our ancestors have passed down to us."
– Iñaki Leclercq García