Vinyl listening booths

Sampling the hits — and a cigarette

Alex Q. Arbuckle

c. 1955

Credit: John Drysdale/Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Taking its name from the title of a Francis Barraud painting of a dog listening to a gramophone, His Master’s Voice (HMV) was the unofficial name for the Gramophone Company’s record label. The company opened its first HMV record store in London in 1921, and expanded in the UK and Canada throughout the 20th century.At HMV, customers could buy records and record players, but also listen to the latest songs.In the 1950s, HMV introduced special sound-isolating booths where customers could sample new sounds without having to wear headphones. (They also had enough room to squeeze in a close friend or two.)

Customers in listening booths. Credit: Bert Hardy Advertising Archive/Getty Images

Credit: John Drysdale/Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Credit: John Drysdale/Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Credit: John Drysdale/Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Credit: John Drysdale/Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Credit: John Drysdale/Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

An HMV store on Oxford Street in London. Credit: J. A. Hampton/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images

Credit: John Drysdale/Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Visit Premier Exhibitions at 417 5th Avenue to see the past become present again at "Retronaut's New York." This pop-up exhibition of extraordinary, digitally restored photographs captures New York City at the turn of the 20th century. It's only open until May 15, so be sure to get down there before it’s gone.