The owner passed away a few years back so the shop closed, and I watched the site with interest hoping someone would make good use of the old frontage.
As you can see here it has suffered terribly.
In January this year I noticed the shop windows at the front had been removed, and soon after some scaffolding was being erected. Then, last Thursday I stopped in my tracks when I saw the extent of the 'renovation' – there is nothing left of the old shop whatsoever.
One of the fellas working there saw me taking photos (that's him on the left, bottom right) and he came over to talk, thinking I was impressed. He asked me what I thought and I told him (ahem) how it was awful to have eradicated the historical element – all those beautiful hand-made tiles gone, probably dumped.
I also berated him for putting in nasty, unsympathetic, non-sash UPVC windows. He was bemused, probably thinking I was mad. Mad yes; but in the angry, frustrated way; not the loopy way. People like him seem to think that old is bad and dirty, and new and white is clean and good. Knob head (him not me).
In the same street I found a discarded, dirty and deflated Space Hopper, but at least this little fella, which is really tiny and looks to be made of really thin rubber*, brought back fond memories of the races my sister and I used to have in our garden in the seventies.
* I recall my Space Hopper was made of sturdier stuff and came in a box about 1ft wide.
I lived in Warrender Road 1959-1968. Visit it in 2006 and took photos of the shop. Was sent there as a child to get shopping. It is very sad that it's been changed. To look modern.
ReplyDeleteI used to shop in that store and the sweet shop on the opposite corner when I was a little girl. I lived in 8 warrender road. 1963.I agree with you, it is a shame that they tore it all down, it was beautiful landmark. Diane
ReplyDeleteI used to shop in that store and the sweet shop on the opposite corner when I was a little girl. I lived in 8 warrender road. 1963.I agree with you, it is a shame that they tore it all down, it was beautiful landmark. Diane
ReplyDeleteSuch a shame that shop fronts here were not kept and simply repurposed. The stores would have served the community in this area and made such attractive ends to the terraces.
ReplyDeleteI lived at number 19 warrender road right opposite George's we 1980-88 went in there all the time I also remember the sweet shop opposite but that closed down not long after we moved there.
ReplyDeleteSad to hear both George and his wife both passed ,,, I believe his wife was called rular
Hi Jane, I was born in Tufnell Park in St George’s Avenue in 1960. My mother used to take us to that shop. I visited a few years ago and was pleased to see the1930s windows were still there and the shop retained the original features which were old fashioned but charming! It’s a shame to see it modernised to this extent but probably seen as progress!
ReplyDeleteHi Jane, I was born in Tufnell Park in St George’s Avenue in 1960. My mother used to take us to that shop. I visited a few years ago and was pleased to see the1930s windows were still there and the shop retained the original features which were old fashioned but charming! It’s a shame to see it modernised to this extent but probably seen as progress!
ReplyDeleteHi Jane, I was born in Tufnell Park in St George’s Avenue in 1960. My mother used to take us to that shop. I visited a few years ago and was pleased to see the1930s windows were still there and the shop retained the original features which were old fashioned but charming! It’s a shame to see it modernised to this extent but probably seen as progress!
ReplyDelete