This is a fascinating read especially as someone who comes from a shopkeeping background. Love the sound of the celluloid place esp as I worked for BFI before becoming a journalist. When my Lithuanian Jewish family first arrived in Bethnal Green in early 1900s they opened shops. My great grandfather went on to open Leading Lighting & Record Store (gas lights and cylinders) in Chapel Market. My Dad continued running it as a record store well into 1970s when advent of Our Price forced him out of business . He then set up a specialist model railway shop on Pentonville Road Victors importing trains from Japan & US mostly for grown up enthusiasts including Royals & rock stars. He ran this until he retired and now devotes himself to jazz clubs.
I can back that up, as I'm Sudi's dad. We were actually one of the first record shops in England,being HMV's 13th customer. Just started a sub stack of my own.
Oh that is great to hear Sudi. Cool! And how fascinating – those all sound like such brilliant shops. Wish I’d been to them! Actually think I’ll look into model railway shops for part 3 – I wonder how many are left in London these days. Glad to hear your dad’s enjoying retirement, and the jazz!
Great read! Classic Trophies shines at night too - when closing they turn on a multicolour LED disco ball that lights up the store behind the shutters, it's fantastic!
This is a fascinating read especially as someone who comes from a shopkeeping background. Love the sound of the celluloid place esp as I worked for BFI before becoming a journalist. When my Lithuanian Jewish family first arrived in Bethnal Green in early 1900s they opened shops. My great grandfather went on to open Leading Lighting & Record Store (gas lights and cylinders) in Chapel Market. My Dad continued running it as a record store well into 1970s when advent of Our Price forced him out of business . He then set up a specialist model railway shop on Pentonville Road Victors importing trains from Japan & US mostly for grown up enthusiasts including Royals & rock stars. He ran this until he retired and now devotes himself to jazz clubs.
I can back that up, as I'm Sudi's dad. We were actually one of the first record shops in England,being HMV's 13th customer. Just started a sub stack of my own.
Cool! Oh wow that's really interesting. Excellent!
Oh that is great to hear Sudi. Cool! And how fascinating – those all sound like such brilliant shops. Wish I’d been to them! Actually think I’ll look into model railway shops for part 3 – I wonder how many are left in London these days. Glad to hear your dad’s enjoying retirement, and the jazz!
Great read! Classic Trophies shines at night too - when closing they turn on a multicolour LED disco ball that lights up the store behind the shutters, it's fantastic!
Thank you very much! Haha no way that's great – the bright lights of Sydenham!
Wonderful! I love that these places still survive among the ever-expanding sea of chain shops. Thank you for shining a light their way, Isaac.
Thank you Vincent! More to come on Friday!