Barrows Stores

[Two]

Barrows Stores - Corporation Street - Advertising Postcard.

 

[wwhiting28]

Hi all

I have recently stumbled across this forum and am interested in the history of Barrows Stores, particularly after uncovering the below enamelled sign during a building project. I have read much of the content on this thread so know the high level history/location of the stores but was wondering in particular if anyone recognised the sign, or would be able to date it.

I think its a really attractive thing and would love to know more. Any help much appreciated!

 

[carolina]

Hi all

I have recently stumbled across this forum and am interested in the history of Barrows Stores, particularly after uncovering the below enamelled sign during a building project. I have read much of the content on this thread so know the high level history/location of the stores but was wondering in particular if anyone recognised the sign, or would be able to date it.

I think its a really attractive thing and would love to know more. Any help much appreciated!
View attachment 172834

What a great find

 

[paul stacey]

wwhiting28, I remember Barrows, I think they were an up market type of store, but I cannot remember how big they were, or how wide spread they were, certainly still around in 50's...

 

[Tinpot]

wwhiting28, I remember Barrows, I think they were an up market type of store, but I cannot remember how big they were, or how wide spread they were, certainly still around in 50's...

My Mother worked on the counters there around 60’s/70’s. The store was somewhere near the underpass to Lewis’s main entrance then as I remember.

 

[RobT]

Some interesting photos here

Barrow's Store, Birmingham

Barrow's was a marvellous Birmingham institution - a high class grocers and store based latterly on Corporation St. I recall the new building, constructed as part of the reconstruction of the city centre (and especially their cafe!) but sadly the independent company didn't long survive a buy-out...

www.flickr.com

 

[paul stacey]

Great read RobT, thanks

 

[Tinpot]

I came across this recently regarding a painting by Joseph Southall. He depicts himself and his wife at Southwold 1911. It was displayed in Barrows Store.

 

[Richard Dye]

I came across this recently regarding a painting by Joseph Southall. He depicts himself and his wife at Southwold 1911. It was displayed in Barrows Store.

I think it is a wonderful picture, maybe a little self selfserving!

 

[Vivienne14]

A shame to have banished it to the Barrows Birmingham toilet wall !! Viv.

 

[Richard Dye]

As shame to have banished it to the Barrows Birmingham toilet wall !! Viv.

I wonder why they did not just take it down?

 

[Lemonella]

I worked for Barrows when I left school in the 60s. I was on the cake counter but I didn't last long as I was always late and got sacked!

 

[Gerry Cannell]

As mentioned earlier, I worked there in 1956/7 on the veg counter. It was such a laugh, with the lads I worked with. The van, which carried the logo' "Barrows" Stores. Birmingham, used to deliver to the Streetly area, of Sutton, with one lettuce and a quarter of tomatoes! Just so they could have the van seen on their road. Yes...it really was a posh store. We had to wear celluloid collars, with studs, and striped waistcoats, and each counter had a pair of chairs for "Madame" to sit on, while we attended to her requirements. But it was a great place to work. Gerry.

 

[mikejee]

I remember back in the 1950s many less exclusive stores had chairs scattered around for the public's use

 

[paul stacey]

Yes, even Wrensons, and John Favours, had chairs to sit whilst being served!!

 

[Radiorails]

From memory customers had one chair available either the law or a council bye law.