Boot and Shoe Repair Shops

T I Stevens was the Stevens of Stevengraph. The hall was built by him in memory of his son for use by the ragged schools. It was demolished in 1999 as part of the Phoenix Initiative ?? And became the site for a cafe bar terrace next to the new Priory Cloister.

Is this the one you're looking for Anne?

Hi Anne I chatted with my mum today who only ever remembers the Hill Street premises as this was the only one that the family owned when she was born mid 40's. She thinks that none of the shops had the same names/titles (something that my nan would have told her no doubt) and had slightly different advertising. So I still believe this photo to be at the back of Fleet Street. I will dig it out and see if there are any sort of dates on it. I know that Gibneys didn't just repair shoes/boots. They manufactured them at one point on a small scale, dealt in leather and were agents for sewing machines. I have a love of craft and making things. I think I would have been in my element back then being 'hands on' in the business and the management. Such a pity that the business didn't continue and Jim passed away.

This must be the shop at the front of Fleet Street before they sold it to the Coop, so at that time was he working from the back if this building that you say is the picture ? Look down a couple of pictures and you will see one of Fleet street showing Gibney's

Think this must have been an entrance at the back of the shop. It's definitely not from the front of the shop or the side. As I've said, I don't believe any of the other shops were called a 'shoe hospital', so it's more a matter of elimination.

Thanks again Anne! Funny I can't recall that Hall despite it going so relatively recently (apols going slightly off-topic) Does anyone have a pic?

Hi, I just bought an old picture that looks remarkably similar in style (backing card etc) by Nelson Jones of a Gosford Street newsagents. It would be from October 1928. You don't happen to know who took your uncle's Gibney shop photo do you?

Hi Helen I'll have to ask my uncle if there is any photographers details with the photo (possibly on the back). They didn't own the premises in 1928 though.

Thanks for that 331 Stoney Stanton was left, next to this art studio (329). Here. It's unlikely there is a picture of it. It would have looked like the blue grey property 323 but without the porch or the render. 209 Lockhurst Lane was right, next to this couple of cottages (205, 207). Here. Again it's unlikely that there is a picture of the front but you can just about see it in this. Follow the road from the right until you get to the fancy building that is now Fazan E Islam. The cottages are opposite and 209 is staggered to the left. The last block before the bridge.