Comments on: Philip Cunningham’s Shopfronts

By: Cherub

Cherub — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 13:25:16 +0000

We used to go to Sima Tandoori every now and then when I was at Queen Mary College studying for my degree, I vividly remember the statues outside.

Sadly the once bustling High Street in my home time looks like these derelict shops now. I return 4 times a year and each time it’s worse. It used to be the premier town in the county for shopping as we had everything.

By: Marcia Howard

Marcia Howard — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:31:19 +0000

Breaks my heart to read of so many communities split up and having to move into hi-rise blocks, or out to Dagenham or similar as one of our neighbours did. I still loathe hi-rise blocks, and just grateful I have never needed to live in one.

By: Mark Morreau

Mark Morreau — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 12:51:54 +0000

Good to see a shot of the famous Spiegelhalters in this collection!
https://spitalfieldslife.com/2015/04/29/spiegelhalters-is-saved/

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 12:42:22 +0000

I am captivated by the Shoe Repair shop (“Globe Road 1976”) for several reasons. Every aspect is mis-matched, a feature that demands notice and investigation. (When windows are uniform, there does not seem to be the need to stop and examine.) The light-colored crenellated panels at the roof life DEMAND further inspection, everything looking like it was slapped together with thumb tacks. One strong breeze……….

This modest little shop holds a thousand tales and speculations. The signage is minimal, almost like the shop keeper does not WANT to draw attention to the venture. “No, I’m fine. Please
leave me alone with my newspaper. ”

When I first studied the top edge of the brick building, it looked like a sad, damaged fragment — but now the edging and chimneys look like some ancient watch tower; dignified and storied.

Wonderful photos!

By: Annie S

Annie S — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 08:47:31 +0000

Great photographs, nice and sharp.
I just checked some of the road numbers on the current street view and many of the old properties are still there and looking somewhat better than they did then – good to see the old terraces have survived!