Comments on: The Shops Of Old London

By: Jill Eljadi

Jill Eljadi — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 17:18:07 +0000

So many memories in those store names. REAL shopping Swears & Wells, everyone had to visit a furrier in those days (sad to say).

Ps I think it was Peter Robinson, (not Peter Jones ) in Oxford street – a favourite boutique well into the seventies, maybe a forerunner of Top Shop

By: Pauline Dufaur

Pauline Dufaur — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 06:15:13 +0000

I found the photos absolutely fascinating but have one question that you Gentle Author (or one of your readers) may have the answer to. At the top of the photo ‘Dairy & Sacks, Bags etc Shop C1940 I noticed a sign or partial sign ‘Shelter’. Do you know what type of shelter this refers to?
Many thanks

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 14:05:40 +0000

SO much to love, here! The rampant typography, spilling over the facades. I loved squinting to read the theatrical posters, to see what was playing. All the endless fonts, from the refined to the less-so. (how I longed to shop for some “Picture Postcards”……..quickly becoming a thing of the past) Loved spotting that lone letter “E” at the top of the building on Oxford Street. Almost like an accidental streetside eye chart! That Art Deco dress shop, with the cunning mannikins — HOW I would love to see what the interior looked like. (I am imagining miles of mirror, touches of chrome) I’m happy to say I have visited the Liberty storefront, on one of our earliest trips to London (maybe in the early 70s) and still have a marvelous shawl (William Morris design in rust/blue/purple) to show for it. A “legacy” purchase that one makes, to last a lifetime. So far,
so good!

Thanks for the shopping spree, GA,

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 12:56:31 +0000

Particularly like the photo following the vista of Regent st, and the wonderful and brand new Art Deco buildings. (Moderne?)

By: Peter Storch

Peter Storch — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 09:16:39 +0000

Always smile at the photo of “Newsagent and Hairdresser at 152 Strand, c.1930”. The Sweeney Todd sign (allegedly the site of) and the fact that the last that I heard it was to become a McDonald’s.

Oh, the irony!

By: David Ransom

David Ransom — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 08:49:44 +0000

Yet another fascinating post, thank you. I have been trying to find a photograph which shows the front of Henry Ransom’s, my great great grandfather’s, shop in Upper Street, Islington. He had a funeral draper’s business at number 40 Upper Street from c1840 to c1870. Number 40 was the later address as the street numbering, and naming, changed from the early years when his area was known as Hedge Row. His business was known as the “Islington Mourning Warehouse”. I have only been able to find photographs which show his premises very small in the distance, and it is impossible to read any sign. He was located near to the Agricultural Hall (now the Business Design Centre) but sadly his building was demolished many years ago. There may have been photographs taken later than 1870 because the business was sold as a going concern after Henry retired.

By: Marcia Howard

Marcia Howard — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 08:33:24 +0000

Another unique and fabulous set of mementos & memories. I don’t think I realised Peter Jones’ ever had a store on Oxford Street. I grew up with the one on Sloane Square which is still there. Loved the ‘eyes’ (Specs) on the front of the Opticians/St Ethelburga’s building. Some pretty amazing architecture too, plus billboards. Keep ’em coming Gentle Author, and thank you.

By: Laura Spira

Laura Spira — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 07:02:23 +0000

I remember some of these from my 1950s childhood when a shopping trip to the West End was a big treat!
“Tobacconist, Glovers and Shoe Shop, c.1910”: not just any tobacconist – Salmon and Gluckstein, who eventually became the catering company, Lyons.

By: Saba

Saba — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 03:08:14 +0000

A real Sweeney Todd barber shop! We enjoyed a visit in the US with the Stephen Sondheim musical.