• Article |
• Discussion |
• Edit |
• History

Whilst browsing through my 1935 Derby Directory I came across and advert in the 'House Furnishers' section. Some of the terminology used is quite quaint and I thought it might bring a smile of recognition at some of the items for sale:

Telephone No 948

HARRY LUCAS, Jnr. Complete House Furnisher.

FURNITURE DEPT.

Bedroom Suites, highest quality, in Oak, Walnut, Mahogany, Light Satin, etc. Dining Room Suites, latest designs, in Leather, Rexine, Moquette, Velvet, etc. Kitchen Furniture of reliable quality. Mangles, Wringing Machines and Sewing Machines. Pianos, Gramophones by firms of the highest repute. Bedsteads and Bedding to suit the most exacting taste. Glass, China and Earthenware direct from the Manufacturers. Cycles and Accessories by well-known Makers. Pictures, Cots, Bronzes, Cutlery, Brushes, Prams, Clocks, Trunks, Leather Bags, Toys, Coal, nuts and cobbles, also Derby's Best Wireless and Electrical Accessories.

TRADING DEPT.

Checks obtainable on application for Tailoring, Outfitting, Boots, Clothing, Millinery, Drapery, Eyeglasses, Optical Repairs, Jewellery, Pharmacy, Hairdressing. "DAY & NIGHT" CIGARETTE SERVICE.

2. UTTOXETER OLD RD. DERBY. Wanted - SPARE TIME AGENTS.

There are 28 House Furnishers listed and one or two familiar names amongst them: Campbells. 29-31 London Road. Greenhill Furnishing Stores. 36 & 38 St. Peter's Churchyard. Hunters. Babington Lane. Midland Drapery. St. Peter's Street. Derby Co-operative Society. Albion Street. Frank Porter & Sons. 46-47 East Street. The White House. 44 Sadler Gate.

I remember my mum buying two Ercol fireside chairs from Seccombe and Page in the Strand and later I worked at the same premises for Andersons Electrical. Frank Porter were acknowledged as suppliers of fine furniture and a three piece suite with two chairs of differing sizes, one for mum and a slightly larger one for dad are still giving sterling service in my house after some 30 odd years.

Back in the 1940s the flat-pack was totally unknown and when you bought furniture it was very basic and most probably carried the "Utility Mark.” This was common even after the war and furniture as well as many other things were 'rationed' right up until the late 1940s.

In the 1960s the furniture you bought was invariably made of solid wood and not chip/blockboard covered with veneers. G-Plan, White & Newton and McIntosh were some of the top manufacturers and the furniture that they produced was made to last as that was the way that people approached the subject of buying, unlike today where they seem to cater for the 'five year lifespan' buyers. Obviously if you want to keep up with current styles and trends then this is fine, but give me quality over style any time, but then I am a bit of a Neanderthal!!

FEEDBACK

Did you enjoy this article? If so, why not comment on it? Perhaps you disagree with something in it, or you know something the writer doesn't and can add some extra facts. You may want to ask a question about this article. Making a contribution is easy - either click 'edit' to insert more information or 'discussion' and then 'add comment.' This is your site. Please feel free to use it to the full and share your memories, thoughts and knowledge about Derbyshire with others.

If there is no 'edit' link showing it means the article has either previously been published in the Derby Evening Telegraph, or it has been protected by the site administrator and cannot be edited.'

County:  Derbyshire

Return to You_and_Yesterday