Author Archives: buildingourpast

Woolworth’s Architects

Posted on March 7, 2018

F. W. Woolworth landed on British soil with a group of hand-picked American managers in 1909 and promptly set about establishing a new chain of 3d. and 6d. stores. Suitable buildings were identified, converted and, if required, extended with the … Continue reading →

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Woolworth’s British Shopfronts

Posted on February 19, 2018

F. W. Woolworth & Co Ltd occupied a prominent spot on British High Streets for nearly a century, from 1909 until 2009. Beneath the red and gold signboard of the famous 3d and 6d stores, the form of the shopfront … Continue reading →

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Cooper’s Motor Mart (Cooper’s Studios)

Posted on December 27, 2017

Cooper’s Auction Yard (later Cooper’s Motor Mart) on Westgate Road in Newcastle-upon-Tyne was built for James Cooper (1849-1925). Cooper, the son of a harbour master from South Shields, set himself up as a horse dealer in the yard of the Crown … Continue reading →

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Macy’s Garage, Balderton Street, London

Posted on December 17, 2017

This historic garage can be found just off London’s bustling Oxford Street, opposite the main entrance to Selfridge’s department store. Built as Macy’s Garage in 1925-26, it was one of London’s most imposing car parks. Macy’s Garage was designed by … Continue reading →

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The Electromobile Garage in Mayfair

Posted on December 6, 2017

The Electromobile Garage lies hidden behind the grand façades of Mayfair, in the guise of NCP Carrington Street. The building may have little architectural presence on the street front, but it played a fascinating role in the early motoring history of … Continue reading →

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The Niagara Garage, Westminster

Posted on November 30, 2017

One of the most unusual garages in early 20th-century London was the Niagara Garage on York Street (now Petty France) in Westminster. This had been built as a panorama, and later used as an ice-skating rink. The building, described rather … Continue reading →

Posted in London Car Parks | 3 Comments

The Story of Dunn’s the Hatter

Posted on October 3, 2017

Introduction Dunn & Co. was the most recognisable chain of men’s hatters throughout the first three-quarters of the 20th century. By the late 1920s it was also a men’s outfitters. A failure to keep up with changing fashions – which … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion and Clothing, Fashion Retailers | 31 Comments