Tag Archives: Department Store

More tales from the old shops

By Posted in department stores, Edinburgh, memories, Reminiscences, Scotland, Social history, Womens Groups Tagged , Leave a comment

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As I continue my  talks to various groups around the Lothians I continue to hear fascinating stories from previous staff members and customers of the old department stores.  The illustration above is of Maule’s en gala for the coronation of George V and Queen Mary (I think!) This was the original company which build the shop at the West End of Princes Street. It became Binns in 1943 then was taken over by House of Fraser in 1953 and renamed Fraser’s in 1976. Sadly, its rebuilt version was  closed this week. Last night I heard from an ex staff member that staff had their pay compulsorily docked to contribute to a wedding gift for Hugh Fraser.

Over to Jenners. Also with a large question mark over its future. I gathered from one proud parent that her son, then a student, was a delivery driver for Jenners.  Allegedly this young man was instructed to drive via only the ‘nicest’ areas of town even if this meant long unnecessary detours. Possibly an early form of mobile advertising?

The famous Sir Will Y Darling the politician and owner of Darling’s in Princes St informed the mother of one lady present last night that one must always change the buttons of a new coat. Despite not quite understanding why this was somehow important, the lady always did this! He must have known something that we don’t!

Almost my favourite story, heard from an audience member, relates to RW Forsyths. I gather that the commissionaire always knew the customers, always looked after their umbrellas on arrival and, without fail, always returned exactly the right umbrella to the right lady.  Customer service indeed. Those were the days.

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Back to Work!

By Posted in am writing, Author Event, department stores, new writing, People's Friend, Short Story, Womens Groups Tagged , , 1 Comment

Back to reality after the Summer off recuperating from knee replacement number two. I’ve not been idle though.  The People’s Friend have bought several more stories including ones about Murrays Department store of distinction. A new story was out last week. It was about a bus. Bit of a change for me.  In a forthcoming edition my current favourite character Mickey Bligh, the very honest 10 year old boy, goes to a wedding. Other guests and especially the bride probably wish he hadn’t! I did enjoy writing a child’s eye view of such an occasion. Out of the mouths etc!

I’m all ready for my various engagements over the coming Autumn and Spring. Few groups of ladies will be spared the sight of me and my presentations over the months to come. I’m really looking forward to meeting you all.

All Change?

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People's Friend June 18

‘All Change!’ is the title of my latest story published in the People’s Friend yesterday. Its about a whole lot of changes going on at Murrays Department Store of distinction set in Edinburgh in the 1990s.

Its also applicable to my own situation right now in the second decade of the 2000s : I’m having another total knee replacement next week so am expecting a rather immobile Summer. However, judging by my appointments diary I’m in for a very busy time in the Autumn of this year and the Spring of next. Its most gratifying to find how interested people seem to be in our old department stores. Its certainly given me a lot to look forward to on recovery.

Meanwhile there are so many books to be read -or stories to write…?

Rabbit rabbit rabbit…

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Well that’s what I have been doing. I’ve been talking at a whole host of events and visits to all sorts of groups and at lots of different locations from libraries to bookshop to housing complexes. Anywhere that people want to hear about the ‘Disappeared Department Stores of Edinburgh’ and my inadvertent wandering into this area of social history I’ll be rabbiting on.  Its been a two way street too: I’ve heard fascinating reminiscences of people’s experiences on both sides of the counter in these  wonderful old stores.  I’d never have guessed that my novels would lead to this interesting new facet to life.

A few more events coming up.  Hello Leith Rotary tonight and Morningside Library next week.  Already lots of bookings for the autumn and next spring too. Just have to get this next knee replacement out of the way. Oh well. I’ll have lots to think about during my enforced convalescence.

(The rabbit featured is a carnelian netsuke that I’m very fond of.)

New Year, New Horizons…

By Posted in Author Event, department stores, Edinburgh, history festival, new writing, Novel, People's Friend, Public libraries, Scotland, Womens Groups Tagged , , , Leave a comment

2018

There was a busy Autumn session including a presentation on ‘Disappeared Department Stores’ at ‘Previously- Scotland’s History festival’, Loanhead’s wonderful new library, Stockbridge’s wonderful old library, Barnton and Cramond Community club and a double page feature in the Sunday Post.  I’m just about ready to face 2018!

There’s a new Murrays story in the People’s Friend January Special out on 24th January and two more submitted. Fingers crossed.

Changing direction slightly, I’m now working on a detective story featuring a recently demoted female detective constable. Its set in the West Highlands and I’m hoping it’ll be as much fun to read as it is to write!

 

A Busy Autumn in Prospect

By Posted in Asperger Syndrome, Author Event, department stores, Edinburgh, new writing, People's Friend, Portobello Book Festival, Public libraries, Social history, Womens Groups Tagged , , , , Leave a comment

e014f6ad5d46f48264e0f7e990f72caa--fall-coloring-pages-coloring-sheetsWell the Autumn session of talks and events has kicked off in style. A cheerful evening at Juniper Green WI set the scene. Lots of nice ladies with happy memories of the old stores.

To Morningside next week for another talk then a session at the Portobello Book Festival in their historic fiction slot the following weekend. Its all go.

Meanwhile People’s Friend have published another of my stories. U3A keeps me busy in various groups and, in my other life, I still run my groups for late diagnosed men and women with Asperger Syndrome.

…and we’re off!

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Book Launch 2‘Assured Attention,’  book 2 in the series about a large Edinburgh department store now moving into the 1980s, was launched on Monday 31st July at Blackwell’s Bookshop, South Bridge, Edinburgh.

An attentive audience appeared to enjoy the interview of the author carried out by Gordon Lawrie from Comely Bank Publishing and came up with some interesting and challenging questions of their own!

Not least among these was which person would Jane Tulloch choose to read the books for audio recording. Hard to say. There are male and female voices required. Jane’s choice of Judi Dench was purely a default selection. Perhaps?  Hannah Gordon might have been best? Food for thought anyway.

It was a very friendly evening all round. Blackwells, as ever, did us proud.

Disappeared Department Stores

By Posted in department stores, Edinburgh, Fashion, memories, new book, Scotland, Social history, Womenswear Tagged , , Leave a comment

J&RAllans cropped

In the hiatus before the publication date of ‘Assured Attention’ I’ve been researching some of the old department stores of Edinburgh. What a lost world! I’ve looked at the long lists of departments that used to be considered necessary. Looking at the image above of the disappeared J& R Allan store on South Bridge, for example,  its clear that mourning was a major consideration for businesses back then. The appropriate dresses , hats and gloves vital purchases for the serious mourner in those days.

When was the last time you bought a ‘mantle’? I don’t think I ever have! Moving on into the 20th century I was surprised to see ‘Smoking paraphernalia’ included as a specific department in one large store. O tempora. O mores!

I’ll be presenting my findings at The University of the Third Age meeting on 19th July and once again, perhaps in an extended form (as I keep discovering more!), at ‘Previously- Scottish History Festival’ in November.

Illustration from the collection of Malcolm Cant.