Just noticed there’s a pedestrian crossing in the photo #420. The pedestrian underpasses can’t have been developed at this point, including the outside escalator next to Lloyd’s Bank (underneath the Rotunda building). Viv.
-
Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.
We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team
New Street City Centre Birmingham
- Thread starter postie
- Start date
There were at least two other Lewis's involved in making and selling street scene photos in Birmingham: the photographer's George Lewis and the unrelated Thomas Lewis. However, I've not seen any evidence that either ever worked out of Bull Street.
Oh of course, I’d forgotten about the Lewis photographers. It would most certainly have been them and not the retailers. Thanks. Viv.
That’s an unusually large sign sticking out of the second building on the right. Can’t read the inscription. Great photo Pedro, features being enhanced by the colouring I think. Viv.
Last edited:
Eric Gibson
master brummie
We used to call it Freeman hardly widdles.
This doesn't look like Birmingham. There was only one Hyam's & Co store in Birmingham in the late 19th / early 20th century and that was in New Street opposite King Edwards School. This is not a photo of that store. Perhaps it is a photo of one of the others Hyam's stores, outside of Birmingham.
Hyam's did have a branch in 40-41 Dudley Street, Wolverhampton.
(Sources:
1. lookandlearn.com website entry for Messrs Hyam & Co. 'Illustration for 'Progress and Commerce',1893.
2. British Newspaper Archive, Leeds Mercury, Sat 28 Feb 1925 which refers to the closure and sale of the Wolverhampton & Birmingham Hyam's stores).
Last edited:
Don’t recall a Cowin’s either. Viv.
Pedrocut
Master Barmmie
You are right. Misread Front Piece for Front Cover. Will change.
Google search on Dudley Street, Wolverhampton returns this photo dated c1900, © Francis Frith
That flag further up on the right above Cowin (which I had thought was just a derogatory Black Country term
), at first I had thought it was Ketchup and now it looks like Watches. Great photograph, in any case. I love the chap with the cap (centre right), he looks very purposeful doesn't he?
Two very detailed trade cards for businesses in New Street. The second card shows a later(?) version of the cut glass manufactory at #14.
Covroad
master brummie
Rowans , New Street 1927,
Attachments
Covroad
master brummie
An advertisement for the Birmingham to London via Warwick, Banburn and Aylesbury
Attachments
We see many New Street photos like this one, but each one adds some little detail that gives the street interest. This time I'm intrigued by the delivery van on the right. It seems to have shelving. Is it a bread or cake delivery van ? I wondered if the awning says 'Pattisons', but can't be sure. If it was then maybe the van was delivering cakes/confectionary etc to Pattisons. Think the photo might be 1920s/30. Viv.
Radiorails
master brummie
I believe the van also says Pattisons.
Richard Dye
master brummie
What a Grand Town Birmingham was!
Hi Richard,
Wasn't it just!
Although I was born in Suffolk, I spent 67 years in Birmingham, and
loved it as it was in the 50's and 60's. I now live back in East Anglia,
and often think of those happy days spent there.
At least, I still remember it as it was, - memories remain for ever, but
nothing escapes change!
Kind regards
Dave
Wasn't it just!
Although I was born in Suffolk, I spent 67 years in Birmingham, and
loved it as it was in the 50's and 60's. I now live back in East Anglia,
and often think of those happy days spent there.
At least, I still remember it as it was, - memories remain for ever, but
nothing escapes change!
Kind regards
Dave
Richard Dye
master brummie
Yes, change is inevitable, if only we could keep those wonderful times in a bottle to have forever! But we do have those memories……
I think this must be a 1950s view (a glimpse of the Theatre Royal awning to the left - demolished by 1956). Viv.
Last edited:
devonjim
master brummie
Grosvenor House(Barclays) looking complete so your date about correct.
Richard Dye
master brummie
Goodness, did not realize that it was demolished in 1956! I went there a half dozen times, I think for pantomimes with my mother. They were a good day out. Getting on the 29 at Snow Hill to Handsworth, late at night (at least for me). Sometimes I got baked potatoes or hot chestnuts before the bus came.
A lot of street furniture on display in this view. Simple road signs and a couple of single traffic lights (or were these for pedestrians crossing ?). Marshall and Snelgrove building looks very clean. It looks to me like late 1950s/early 1960s (but definitely no later than 1965 as the Exchange Building is still there - right).
Viv.
Viv.
This photo is by Ben Brooksbank and was taken in 1957 looking down New Street from its junction with Stephenson Place.
In the distance you can make out what looks like the scaffolding on the front of the old Hyam's building, prior to its demolition.
(Source geograph.org.uk)
(Usage rights: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/)
Last edited:
Richard Dye
master brummie
Burton Tailors, went there many times!
devonjim
master brummie
I thought the scaffold was around the then new "big top" site?